Spaces and Places Planning and Master Plans

From local fields to national networks, we help you see the big picture.

We prepare Local, Regional, and National Facility Plans to understand the current and future needs of communities for sport and active recreation.

These plans might be code-specific or cover broader needs, and they often include aquatic centres, indoor courts, or outdoor sports fields—all with a networked approach in mind.

Historically, facilities were often developed in isolation. We help shift that thinking. Our planning process considers how each facility fits into a wider ecosystem, helping you make better decisions that serve the whole community.

We also develop Master Plans that help shape the long-term future of your spaces and places—ensuring they stay relevant, useful, and well-loved.

Projects Undertaken By RSL

We’ve partnered with a wide range of organisations to bring their facility, planning, and activation goals to life. To help you explore our experience, we’ve grouped our project summaries by sector—so you can see the kind of work we’ve done with others like you.

Project Summaries

Check out some of our planning work across different scales and settings. Each summary gives a snapshot of the project scope, who we worked with, and the outcomes achieved. From concept testing to full feasibility and business case development, these projects highlight the depth and variety of our work—and how we tailor our approach to each client’s unique needs and context.

Explore Our Other Services

Looking for more ways RSL can support your project? Check out our full range of planning, strategy and activation services.

  • "Richard Lindsay's experience and insight delivers significant value to recreation and sport projects. He can contribute to international sporting facility planning or a local community pool and walkway development. His approach is particularly refreshing and engaging connecting to the range of stakeholders that contribute to this work. Whether your need is a detailed objective report or a philosophical discussion over a cup of tea I fully endorse Richard's capabilities."

    David Bailey – Recreation Services Manager – Christchurch City Council

  • "When it comes to consulting within the sport and recreations sector, it’s hard to go past Richard Lindsay. With over 20 years professional experience working in local and central government, combined with his working knowledge and understanding of both the sport and recreation systems, he’s an asset to any consultancy project. From facility development, to the formulation of strategy, or policy review, he’s done it all. His cost effective and pragmatic approach, combined with a customer focused, relatable manner makes him an asset to our sector."

    Julyan Falloon – Chief Executive, Sport Canterbury

  • "Richard is a passionate, committed, articulate and knowledgeable professional who will add value to any project. I thoroughly enjoy working with him and would not hesitate to work with him again if the opportunity arose."

    Alison Law, Parks And Recreation Manager, Kāpiti Coast District Council

  • “I must say it is a pleasure to work with a consultancy that is knowledgeable and able to deliver appropriate solutions in a timely manner.”

    Bill Steans, Parks and Recreation Manager, Timaru District Council