LiDR Contract Furniture recently completed a comprehensive bespoke furniture package for Stoke City FC’s state-of-the-art training ground development, supplying a wide range of fitted and freestanding elements throughout the facility.
Working closely with contractor Speller Metcalfe, the Stoke-on-Trent manufacturer delivered bespoke furniture solutions across multiple areas of the complex, including the first team locker room, coach lockers, kit distribution room, medical and treatment areas, recreation spaces and ancillary support facilities.
The first team lockers formed a central part of the project and were developed specifically around the client’s operational requirements. Each locker incorporated integrated power sockets, wireless charging, hanging rails, hooks and open shoe storage beneath padded bench seating.
To support the development process, LiDR produced a full prototype locker at its Stoke-on-Trent facility prior to manufacture, allowing the client team to review and refine the concept before the final production run commenced.
Projects of this nature increasingly demand more than standard furniture solutions, particularly within elite sports environments where durability, organisation, functionality and day-today usability all play an important role in supporting players and staff. The bespoke nature of the Stoke City project allowed LiDR to develop solutions tailored specifically to operational requirements while maintaining consistency with the wider interior scheme throughout the facility.
Additional elements supplied by LiDR included laundry island units, supplement stations, fitted storage, sink units, boot room fittings, oak slatted benches, banquette seating, poseur tables and bespoke recreation furniture, including custom darts and pool cue storage.
The entire scheme was manufactured using finishes and materials selected to complement the wider interior design concept throughout the development. Located only a short distance from Stoke City FC’s training ground, LiDR was able to work closely alongside the wider project team throughout delivery, supporting co-ordination on what was described as a demanding and fastmoving programme. The company’s proximity to the development also allowed for a more responsive approach as design refinements and programme pressures evolved during the latter stages of the project.
The project also reflects LiDR’s wider approach to manufacturing – combining bespoke capability, long-term investment and practical collaboration to deliver high-quality furniture solutions within demanding commercial environments. Joe Walsh, Senior Site Manager at Speller Metcalfe, praised both the quality of the finished installation and LiDR’s collaborative approach throughout the project.
“The quality and finish of LiDR works on Stoke City’s first team training pavilion is immense,” he said. “The commitment from the LiDR team to deliver on a fast-moving project with a demanding programme needing close coordination and working alongside other trades has been a real breath of fresh air.”
Walsh also highlighted LiDR director Eleanor Owen’s responsiveness during the latter stages of the programme. “Eleanor’s commitment to our client’s wishes in managing last-minute changes while still maintaining the delivery and quality again really was impressive,” he added. “The final product speaks for itself and screams quality.”
Further praise came from Fergus Meredith, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Speller Metcalfe, who described LiDR as “one of the very few stand out subcontractors on the scheme”.
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