Jason Kenny Centre
The Jason Kenny Centre is a major sports and community facility shared by the public and University of Bolton students. With multiple user groups, shared spaces and a mix of academic and community functions, the centre required a clear, intuitive wayfinding strategy before opening. Wayfinder Ltd was commissioned during the development phase to ensure navigation was built into the design from the outset.
Challenges:
Shared building use between the public and university students
Need for controlled access to academic-only areas
Complex internal routes linking sports facilities, teaching spaces and community areas
Requirement for clear, welcoming navigation for first-time visitors
High expected footfall during peak sports and fitness sessions
Need to ensure safety and clarity for mixed-age user groups
Our Approach
We conducted extensive movement analysis across the planned layouts, mapping how different users including students, gym members, families and sports teams would move through the building. Our strategy ensured that academic-only zones remained secure while public areas felt open and easy to navigate. Clear sightlines, strong entrance orientation and consistent signage formed a cohesive system that supported all user types. We also advised on strategic placement of information to reduce pressure on reception staff during busy periods.
Results
The final wayfinding system enabled visitors to understand the building quickly and confidently, reducing crowding and improving arrival flow. Public users could easily locate sports facilities, while university students experienced clear routes to teaching spaces without crossover confusion. The opening of the Jason Kenny Centre was supported by a wayfinding system that remains effective, accessible and adaptable to future growth.
More Sports & Leisure Wayfinding
Every project we deliver is rooted in how people actually think, move, and make decisions. The results speak for themselves! Clearer journeys, fewer questions, reduced stress, and environments that simply work better.
Jason Kenny Centre
The Jason Kenny Centre is a major sports and community facility shared by the public and University of Bolton students.
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Let’s Talk Wayfinding
If you have questions about wayfinding, navigation or user experience, get in touch. Complete our short form and we’ll follow up with a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
Let’s Talk Wayfinding
If you have questions about wayfinding, navigation or user experience, get in touch. Complete our short form and we’ll follow up with a friendly, no-pressure conversation.