The design and build stages of a project can be, potentially, the most bumpy. Alliance Leisure business development managers James Foley and Julia Goddard share how they helped smooth the way for clients in Doncaster and Cwmbran
The Alliance project at Adwick Leisure Centre in Doncaster included a new ten pin bowling area and a 100-station gym
How is the process managed? From the start, Alliance works to develop the scheme concepts affordably and innovatively with the client and our property consultants Savernake Property, and other contractors. This is very different to other approaches where design and build outcomes can’t be delivered because only one contractor was involved at the start.
How does the design and build process begin? Alliance has a unique approach and works with clients from the start and at every step until the project is delivered successfully. As Business Development Manager this involves establishing the project is viable before thinking about how that concept might look. We’ll look to increase participation by adapting, reinvigorating or in cases such as Adwick Leisure Centre in Doncaster, totally transforming an underutilised space to create something different but relevant to users.
What was the brief a Adwick? Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT) wanted to explore options for increasing fitness provision at the site and improving the overall centre offering – looking at the facility catchment and competition – such as the introduction of new academy sports hall facilities. Our design team created a journey through the site with three distinct areas which all feel like they belong. Where the sports hall used to be, there is a new ‘family adventure’ area at ground level, with ten pin bowling, café, bar and play facilities. Upstairs there is a newly formed mezzanine ‘fitness’ area, with a space for large scale fitness fitted out by DCLT, along with studio provision and changing rooms, and the modernised reception leads through to the pool.
What about changes at the design and build stages? Alliance works with the client to create a vision and design the project. As the build commences the vision on paper or a 3D model can look different to the real thing. We can adapt the design and change the build while ensuring that the total project cost is still maintained.
How are challenges along the way overcome? No build project ever runs perfectly smoothly, but commissioning surveys and expertise at the start helps us avoid risks where possible. With issues that would normally fall outside of our remit, we work with the client to see how we could cost effectively integrate these into the project. For instance at Adwick Leisure Centre, putting in new ten pin bowling, 100 stations of gym equipment and new infrastructure will add power requirements to the site. Instead of paying for an expensive new supply, we gave Doncaster Leisure Trust the option to work creatively with our team to use energy saving techniques, avoiding unnecessary cost and keeping energy performance within existing limits.
What marks the end of the design and build process? The end of the process for Alliance doesn’t stop when the build is complete. We then ensure a robust handover takes place and work with partners to train staff to operate elements, such as the bowling at Adwick. We work hard to resolve late snags, and are proud that our repeat project rate with clients is high – a testament to us having clients’ interests as our number one priority.
1. Scoping/investigation 2. Conceptualisation 3. Viability assessment 4. Site investigation 5. Fixed price contracts 6. Overseeing the building work 7. Ordering phase 8. Client support (part 1) 9. Client support (part 2) 10. Design & Build
CASE STUDY Cwmbran Stadium, Torfaen Leisure Trust Alliance Leisure recently redesigned and converted Cwmbran Stadium’s four-court sports hall into its newly branded ‘Go Vertical’ activity zone, including an 18 element VerTgo climbing area, large soft play and cafe. The main reception and atrium were also modernised and the old café was converted to a 75-station fitness suite. The outdoor grass pitch is also being converted to a 3G surface. Sally Church, chief executive officer of Torfaen Leisure Trust (TLT) says: “The project was designed with us to suit our requirements. We wanted a project that would generate income and increase participation, and would also look very different, not municipal.”
Alliance Leisure worked with operators Torfaen Leisure Trust and the design team consisting of Createability for construction and Bicknell Shacklady Ewing for interior design. During designing, the design team had to solve the problem of a low ceiling in the former cafe area, which was to be converted into a fitness suite. “Instead of making major structural changes, we designed and created the suite around the ceiling height and planned the space accordingly,” says Julia Goddard, business development manager for Alliance Leisure. “It now has 75 stations with wide windows facing out on to the track, giving lots of natural light.”
Goddard adds: “During the build, issues with the location of the Go Vertical climbing briefing area were found, so rather than spend additional money to sort this out we took a week as a team to solve the problem and ended up locating the briefing area into the main activity space, which has worked really positively and saved costs of around £20,000.”
“Every issue or problem we have come across has been resolved,” adds Church. “The whole process has worked because we all took a ‘solutions not problems approach.’ Now we are working with Alliance on sales and marketing for both the gym and the Go Vertical climbing area.”
Cwmbran Stadium’s old sports hall has been converted into an 18-element VerTgo climbing centre
The stadium’s former cafe area has been converted into a 75-station fitness suite, and the new design lets light flood into the space
The stadium’s former cafe area has been converted into a 75-station fitness suite, and the new design lets light flood into the space
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