Chapel Gate

For over 90 years, Chapel Gate (or Bournemouth Sports Club as it is also known) has been at the heart of the local sporting community.

Our 65-acre site is home to a variety of sports including football, rugby, hockey, cricket, squash, table tennis, archery and rifle shooting.

Managed by BU Community Business (BUCB), Chapel Gate regularly hosts local sports’ clubs and schools. It’s also the main training and playing venue for the university’s sports teams.

Whilst Chapel Gate is well-known for sports (including hosting the world’s largest sport and music festival, Bournemouth 7s), it’s a popular venue for weddings, parties and corporate events too.

BU Community Business

In July 2019, Bournemouth University purchased Chapel Gate from Bournemouth and District Recreational Charity (BDRC).

Today, Chapel Gate is managed by Bournemouth University Community Business (BUCB).

BUCB is run by a Board of Directors, made up of BU personnel and external parties. The ultimate decision-makers for the site, they review its performance and develop the future vision for Chapel Gate.

An Operational Management Group, consisting of relevant BU professional services staff and key Chapel Gate users and stakeholders, meets monthly to discuss current and future operations of the site.

The day-to-day running of Chapel Gate is led by Helen Palmer, Head of Sport and Culture, and Mark Rance, the Chapel Gate General Manager, supported by Chapel Gate staff who look after bookings, finance and maintenance of the site.

Directors

• Mr Jim Andrews, BU Chief Operating Officer and Chair of BUCB Board of Directors
• Mrs Mandi Barron (BU Director of Student Services)
• Mr Tony Barrow (Trustee of Bournemouth and District Recreational Charity)
• Mr Stuart Jones (BU Independent Board Member)
• Mr Stephen Main (Trustee of Bournemouth and District Recreational Charity)
• Dr Carly Stewart (Associate Professor and Head Of Department For Sport And Event Management)