Knowing how much a sports facility costs, as well as how much you’ll need to invest to build and maintain the building, is important to consider before getting started.
Based on projects we’ve funded in the past, we’ve pulled together two sets of costs to help with your planning. You’ll need to account for facility capital costs (formerly called the planning kitbag costs) and lifecycle costs.

Facility capital costs
Our facility capital costs are calculated using estimates of what it typically costs to build modern sports facilities, including fees and external work, taking into account:
- Varying conditions
- Inflation
- Regional adjustments.
Costs are updated regularly in conjunction with information provided by the Building Cost Information Service and other quantity surveyors.
The Facility Costs document is often referred to as the planning kitbag costs, as the figures are regularly used by planners and developers when reviewing potential planning contributions to site developments.

Lifecycle costs
Lifecycle costs are how much it costs to keep a facility open and fit-for-purpose during its lifetime.
This includes the costs for:
- Major replacement
- Planned preventative maintenance
- Day-to-day repairs.
The costs are expressed as a percentage of the capital cost.
It’s important not to underestimate the importance of regular maintenance and the expenses necessary in maintaining a facility throughout its life.
We provide lifecycle costs for the following facilities:
- Artificial surfaces
- Natural turf pitches
- Sports halls, swimming pools and changing rooms.