Three prominent architecture firms, namely BDP, Cox Architecture and Collage Design, have reportedly jointly unveiled their vision for a landmark sports complex in Ahmedabad. The ambitious development, officially titled the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, will be constructed in close proximity to the Narendra Modi Stadium. The new enclave is expected to complement it by adding a state-of-the-art tennis facility, an aquatics centre and a large indoor arena to the surrounding area. Here is a detailed report on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Positioned along the scenic banks of the Sabarmati River, the masterplan has been conceived as both a city park and a dedicated sports district.
Positioned along the scenic banks of the Sabarmati River, the masterplan has been conceived as both a city park and a dedicated sports district. The development holds strategic significance, as Ahmedabad is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while the broader Gujarat state will welcome the 2029 World Police and Fire Games. Beyond serving as venues for these high profile international competitions, all facilities within the enclave have been thoughtfully designed to remain accessible and functional for everyday use by local residents.
The tennis centre, positioned on the eastern side of the Narendra Modi Stadium, will offer a 10,000 seat centre court alongside two additional show courts accommodating 5,000 and 3,000 spectators respectively, plus supplementary outdoor courts.
Its design philosophy draws heavily from India’s rich architectural heritage, incorporating traditional elements alongside contemporary construction techniques. Each venue within the enclave carries its own distinct character. The tennis centre, positioned on the eastern side of the Narendra Modi Stadium, will offer a 10,000 seat centre court alongside two additional show courts accommodating 5,000 and 3,000 spectators respectively, plus supplementary outdoor courts. The centre court itself will feature a circular layout crowned with a fabric roof engineered to provide shade and encourage natural airflow.
Also on the eastern end of the enclave, an 18,000 seat indoor arena will reportedly host gymnastics and basketball during the Commonwealth Games before transitioning into a multi-purpose venue for concerts and sporting events. Its exterior will be finished in bronze anodised aluminium jali. At the opposite, western end of the masterplan, the aquatics centre will dazzle with glazed walls fitted with coloured glass louvres. Beneath its sweeping curved roof, the facility will seat up to 12,000 spectators during major swimming and diving competitions, with the capacity scaled down to 4,000 when operating as a community pool.
Beneath its sweeping At the opposite, western end of the masterplan, the aquatics centre will dazzle with glazed walls fitted with coloured glass louvres.
Bridging the Narendra Modi Stadium and the tennis centre will be a National Institute of Sports Excellence, purpose-built to nurture emerging athletic talent through access to training halls, gymnasiums, recovery suites and advanced biomedical facilities. Complementing all of this, the riverfront outdoor areas will be enriched with parks, dining options and community sports courts.
Image credit: BDP