Swinton Judo Club Unveils Major Dojo Redevelopment

Swinton Judo Club has taken a huge step towards its long-term ambitions with the completion of the first stage of its redevelopment project.

For more than 20 years, coaches spoke of their hopes to expand the mat space, create a new spectator area, and eventually build larger changing rooms. Thanks to the support of the GrantScape SUEZ Communities Fund, along with years of member contributions through mat fees and fundraising events such as gala dinners, that vision is now becoming reality.

The redevelopment has created a larger mat area and a dedicated spectator space, transforming the club’s facilities. Although the project was delayed by the pandemic and rising construction costs, work eventually began after the last senior session in the original dojo.

That evening carried a sense of quiet sadness, as the main mats were lifted and stored, bringing an end to more than two decades of memories on that surface. Club president Paul Adams reflected that the mats had been “the beating heart of the Swinton dojo,” a place where countless people had learned, competed, and tried again.

Once the mats were removed, the building was stripped back to its bare bones. The heating system was dismantled, windows bricked up in preparation for future stages of development, and the floorboards taken out.

The work revealed some unexpected challenges: many of the boards were so rotten they could be lifted by hand, and the joists had decayed where they joined the walls. Despite this, the club ensured the spirit of the old dojo lived on.

Members Chris and Carol Docherty repurposed the discarded wood into garden benches, a pergola, and even a new trophy base — keeping part of the old building alive within the club.

Progress was not without setbacks, but once materials began arriving, the transformation accelerated.

New floor joists were installed on top of a foundation wall, with underfloor insulation added to improve warmth and efficiency. Stronger steel beams, insisted upon by building control, were fitted to support the new layout, future-proofing the facility for decades to come.

Local builder Brad, from Kast Build and Design, worked closely with joint head coach and project manager Andy Officer to bring the plans to life — though the upgrades often left treasurer Hazel fielding the dreaded question of “how much?”

As the structure took shape, the new ceiling was plastered and painted, and a modern heating system fitted. Although the higher ceiling space would have been striking to keep, the cost of heating such a large volume meant that practicality had to win over aesthetics.

With the groundwork complete, the team from Ultimat stepped in to install a semi-sprung floor effect by laying boards over the original mat, before fitting a brand-new competition mat and bespoke wall cladding.

The result is a modern, welcoming dojo that not only improves the training experience for members but also creates a more comfortable space for spectators and visitors.

The redevelopment represents a significant milestone for the club, which first took over the building almost 25 years ago when it was in a semi-derelict state.

Every coach and committee member since has played a role in bringing the dojo to this point.

Swinton Judo Club has a proud history dating back to before the Second World War, when its early sessions were held above a local coal merchant under the guidance of a German coach who was later interned during the war.

With its 70th anniversary approaching in 2027, the completion of this first phase of development is a fitting milestone.

The club hopes to complete further stages of its redevelopment in time for that celebration, ensuring it continues to thrive as a centre of judo for many more generations to come.

Congratulations to Swinton Judo Club and everyone involved in this remarkable transformation!

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