Exeter’s £44m energy-efficient St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, designed to use up to 70 per cent less energy than a conventional pool and leisure centre. The centre features: a main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors; a confidence water pool; and a 100-seat
Leicestershire based architects, IMA Architects, has successfully delivered a brand-new, purpose-built gymnastics facility for Rugby Gymnastics Club. IMA has been part of a team including KAM Project Consultants and BWB, on behalf of Sport England, that has worked with the Gymnastics Club to realise the 19,655 square foot scheme at
Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Chorlton Leisure Centre in Manchester as an affordable Later Living scheme for local people. The new development will provide 50 apartments for the over 55s. Seven of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership, three will be neighbourhood apartments providing step up accommodation,
A major expansion delivered by Henry Brothers Construction at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park has achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world. The first Passivhaus development on the University campus, SportPark Pavilion 4 is the latest development on
The owner of The Three Spires in Lichfield has published new CGIs of the proposed multi-screen cinema – as it closes in on a deal with a leading national operator. M Core, one of the largest, privately held commercial property portfolios in the UK, which acquired the outdoor shopping centre
Pounds Park, the new city centre park situated in Sheffield’s Heart of the City, has enjoyed a successful opening period since being launched on Monday 3 April. Thousands of visitors have headed to the park to see the latest public space to open in the Outdoor City. Within the first
The award-winning architects and interior designers at Marchini Curran Associates, have led on design services for the expansion of the independent Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester. The pivotal scheme, funded by Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), alongside independent funding organisations,
RED Special Projects, the specialist operating division of RED Construction Group, has been appointed by Merlin Entertainments to deliver the hub facilities for Phase One of LEGOLAND Windsor’s Woodland Village which will open in Spring 2024. Opening in Spring 2024, the £35 million LEGOLAND Woodland Village will feature 150 accommodation
Everton and Laing O’Rourke have held a ‘topping out’ ceremony at Everton Stadium to mark the completion of the structure. Dignitaries from the Club and its construction partner jointly celebrated the achievement, just 20 months since work began on the semi-derelict site at Bramley-Moore Dock. All four stands have since been erected
Holiday Park Operator Haven and a Blackstone portfolio company, are set to invest more than £170m across multiple sites in the UK in 2023. The expansion follows the continued growth in demand for staycations and includes new activity across its 41 parks. Haven is one of the UK’s most popular
Exeter’s £44m energy-efficient St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, designed to use up to 70 per cent less energy than a conventional pool and leisure centre. The centre features: a main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors; a confidence water pool; and a 100-seat spectator seated area. In addition, there is: a 150-station fitness gym and two fitness studios; a health suite and spa facility; a children’s soft play area; and a 50-seater café. “St Sidwell’s Point officially opened one year ago, and I worked with the contractors to ensure we got everything right from an operational point of view,” says Jonathan Brown, Centre Manager. “Since opening, footfall through the centre has exceeded all expectations, so keeping the premises clean, particularly as it is so busy, is an ongoing challenge. “Due to the mixed nature of the site, with so many wet areas, we have the highest anti-slip tiles throughout. The flooring needs to be kept scrupulously clean for the safety of centre users, while also needing to be maintained to look good. “From day one, we needed the best possible equipment, but the first-floor cleaning machines we tried simply were not reliable or robust enough. We were therefore delighted when our janitorial supplies contractor H.D.Adcock Nelson Ltd recommended floorcare machinery from Truvox International. “At the in-house demonstration we were extremely impressed with the ease-of-use and efficiency of both the Orbital 1500 and the Multiwash™ PRO 340.” Efficiency and reliability “It’s quite unusual for a service business based in South Wales to be a preferred supplier for a site in Devon, but maybe that says a lot about us,” says H.D.Adcock Nelson Ltd Business Development Manager Kirsty Wallis. “I already knew the Partnership Manager at Exeter Council Leisure Services, so had the opportunity to offer some advice on the particular janitorial requirement for their new St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre. “One advantage we offer is that Adcock is part of the Jangro buying group, which means that all our customers receive free access to an online learning portal, and that certainly appealed to Exeter Council’s health and safety team. “As far as our relationship with Truvox International is concerned, it’s all about efficiency and reliability. One area that people always forget is the floor, and that’s where savings can be made. It’s also where all the hidden problems often are. St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre is an incredible looking facility with numerous different flooring types which creates huge challenges. “After reviewing a number of suppliers and equipment, it became clear that these were the only machines that could solve the wide range of problems at the site. The demonstration was so convincing that the order was placed only a couple of hours later! “Truvox International is a very hands-on business, and they are very supportive of us and our customers. When we recommend, specify or deliver cleaning equipment, such as Truvox’s Multiwash™ PRO, or Orbital machines, we also provide training for management and operatives. Both machines are so easy to use and maintain that the training is actually fun.” Two machines solve all the complex floorcare issues The Orbital 1500 combines orbital and rotary motions into one, providing a constant vibration that increases cleaning efficiency. The roto-orbital movement gives the machine great stability, which enhances the performance compared with a regular single disc machine. It is easy to use and manoeuvre and the low vibration levels provide excellent operator comfort. Meanwhile, the Multiwash™ PRO 340 is a scrubber-dryer, which gives excellent scrubbing power and pick up, leaving the floor clean and dry as well as adding a finishing touch to the floors. “Both the machines look good and highly professional, which is extremely important as since Covid, regular cleaning has become a front of house and highly visible activity, providing reassurance for centre visitors,” says Jonathan Brown. “To continue in the spirit of the Passivhaus philosophy, for floorcare we use only environmentally friendly BioHygiene solutions. They are highly concentrated biotechnology based all-purpose cleaning products offering superior cleaning and odour control using renewable and sustainable ingredients. “With the two machines from Truvox International we can guarantee perfect cleanliness and hygiene across the flooring throughout the site as they solve all of our complex floorcare issues.” https://www.truvox.com/our-products/scrubber-dryers
Leicestershire based architects, IMA Architects, has successfully delivered a brand-new, purpose-built gymnastics facility for Rugby Gymnastics Club. IMA has been part of a team including KAM Project Consultants and BWB, on behalf of Sport England, that has worked with the Gymnastics Club to realise the 19,655 square foot scheme at its new home on Kilsby Lane. IMA Architects was part of the design and delivery team consisting of main contractors, Wilten Construction and Civil and Structural Engineers, Jackson Purdue Lever. As Architectural Consultant, IMA oversaw the coordination of the project. Joe Travers, Associate Director at IMA Architects, said: “We have enjoyed working on this project to deliver a purpose-built gymnastic facility for a thriving club. At IMA we’re well known for our attention to detail and commercial awareness in seeing projects through to completion, and we have worked with Wilten as main contractor and the Gymnastic Club to produce a building which is both fit for purpose and financially viable, that accommodates the Gymnastics Club’s required layout.” Construction at the site started in August 2022 and practical completion for the first phase of works was achieved on 6th February 2023, with the Gymnastics Club due to relocate to its new home in the coming weeks. Simon Barnett, Project Manager at Wilten Construction comments: “The project has resulted in a massive improvement on the Club’s previous facilities which had become inadequate for the current needs of members. The new building allows them to have more gymnasts and facilitate holding their own events and competitions.” Rugby Gymnastics Club is a long-established Gymnastics Club in Warwickshire, which is dedicated to training young gymnasts, both boys and girls of all levels and ability from pre-school through recreational to elite standard and competitive squads. It offers children the opportunity to experience gymnastics in a safe and friendly environment with tuition provided by professional coaches. The new building will enable the Club to expand the sport into a wider community. With an estimated construction cost of £1.9m, the Club has generated the majority of the funds from the sale of its existing premises as well as various fundraising schemes and donations. It has also received circa £500,000 in funding from Sport England. Anyone interested in supporting the project with donations to help fund internal fit out and contribute to the rest of the venture is encouraged to contact the Club directly. Gill McKee, Development Director at Rugby Gymnastics Club comments: “We are thrilled with our new home and can’t wait to fully move in. We are an ambitious club with over 1,000 members so needed an amazing facility to match our aspirations. We currently have a waiting list of 500 gymnasts, so the new facilities will allow us to approve more memberships and provide gymnastics facilities to more people in the local area.” Lucy Litwinko, Director at KAM Project Consultants Ltd comments: “We are pleased to see the project come to fruition, on time and on budget. We hope that the facilities will inspire the next generation of Team GB athletes in the future. It would be fantastic to know one of the gymnasts started their careers at the facility we had a role in creating.” IMA is an award-winning firm of architects based in Blaby, Leicestershire. The firm, which celebrated its 25 Anniversary last year, has grown from a two-person team, to now employ 18 members of staff and work with a range of FTSE 100 companies, such as Marks and Spencer, and global brands such as Lidl. The company is a proud Community Partner of Leicester City Football Club and a sponsorship partner of both Leicester Tigers RFC and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Chorlton Leisure Centre in Manchester as an affordable Later Living scheme for local people. The new development will provide 50 apartments for the over 55s. Seven of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership, three will be neighbourhood apartments providing step up accommodation, with the remaining 40 capped at the Manchester Living Rent. Lettings will be prioritised to over 55s with a housing priority need, including those wishing to right-size and free up a social rented family home in the local area for families on the housing waiting list. Affordable homes to rent in neighbourhoods like Chorlton are much needed and these homes are expected to be in high demand. In addition to well thought out communal spaces and hubs within the development, there will also be opportunities to bring in other external features, for example health services, wellbeing spaces and opportunities for community interaction and involvement. The Chorlton Leisure Centre development is expected to be completed Summer 2025 and will see an investment of over £12m. Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “We know that local people have been eager to see this site brought back into use for some time and it’s great to see the project moving at full steam. “Working with MSV, we have taken the opportunity to use the site to build new sustainable, affordable housing to meet demand in the area and help diversify the housing market in Chorlton – delivering homes at the Manchester Living Rent to ensure as many people as possible can afford them. This is a really exciting development, and we look forward to seeing these homes take shape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major expansion delivered by Henry Brothers Construction at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park has achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world. The first Passivhaus development on the University campus, SportPark Pavilion 4 is the latest development on a site that houses the UK’s highest concentration of sports organisations. The facility presents sports organisations with the unique opportunity to secure environmentally future-proof accommodation, tailored to their needs. Occupants can reduce their carbon footprint thanks to triple glazed windows that can be opened, an enhanced thermal efficient airtight building fabric, external solar shading and a highly efficient heat and ventilation system. Going beyond Passivhaus requirements, the University chose to fit SportPark Pavilion 4’s entire roof with solar panels, to further reduce its energy demand. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are proud to have completed SportPark Pavilion 4 to help Loughborough University to decarbonise its estate. “This is the latest of several successful schemes we have delivered for the University which adds to the increasing portfolio of sustainable buildings that Henry Brothers Construction has delivered, also aligned with our own journey to net zero.” Martin Channell, Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Programme Management at Loughborough University said: “When SportPark was completed in 2009, it achieved BREEAM Excellent which put it in the top 10% of environmentally rated non-domestic buildings. Pavilion 4’s Passivhaus accreditation sets the benchmark for quality and low energy building efficiency across the University estate to achieve our zero-carbon agenda for 2050. “This outstanding achievement is testament to the commitment of our industry partners Henry Brothers Construction, David Morley Architects, Beyond Carbon Associates and many sub-contractors. Now, we can monitor the efficiency between the original pavilions and the new expansion.” SportPark will be a unique living lab that enhances the University’s cutting-edge building energy research. Joel Callow, Director of Beyond Carbon Associates said: “The construction team has worked closely with Loughborough’s researchers to ensure highly detailed measurement of the performance of the building over the coming years. “This will allow us to draw down even more data on energy efficiency, giving vital feedback. This information can then be used to inform the design of the next generation of zero carbon buildings at the University.” SportPark Pavilion 4 is delivered by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) as part of the Getting Building Fund. Funds were designated for investment in local, shovel-ready infrastructure projects to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the country. The LLEP was allocated £20m, supporting the SportPark expansion with £6m. Further funding support has been provided by Loughborough Town Deal. Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “Sustainability is a pillar of our economic growth strategy, and in funding SportPark Pavilion 4, we enabled development of a superb building at the highest standards of energy efficiency. “In addition, the project has supported more than 410 jobs within the construction phase alone, brought additional sports-related organisations to our region, and created a living lab for local architecture students with an interest in sustainable building design.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The owner of The Three Spires in Lichfield has published new CGIs of the proposed multi-screen cinema – as it closes in on a deal with a leading national operator. M Core, one of the largest, privately held commercial property portfolios in the UK, which acquired the outdoor shopping centre last summer, has included a stylish roof terrace – accessed via lifts to floors one and two – which will have stunning views over the city and Cathedral. Last month, it agreed terms for the joint venture with Lichfield District Council and now it is close to signing an operator, in the hope of starting the transformation of the former Debenhams store in Q3 once planning is submitted this summer. Phil Murphy, head of property and transactions at Evolve Estates, which is part of M Core and is leading the JV scheme, said: “It’s great to have agreed heads of terms for the cinema space, and the joint venture solicitors are significantly progressed in formalising the legal agreement with an operator. “During the initial design stage, the JV whittled down cinema operators to three – The Light, Everyman and Reel – and while it’s not commercially prudent to advise on deal specifics until legal documents are signed, I can confirm the operator is every bit aligned with the renowned and ever progressive Three Spires we are developing. “We wanted the operator to have a name as big as Lichfield, for it to be synonymous with quality and for the interior experience really wow whilst having a pre-showing drink or bite to eat. From visiting a number of its London sites, I know it offers all this and more.” As well as the cinema, the Three Spires owner has also redesigned the wider proposal to include more leisure space and is in detailed discussions with a nationally known cocktail bar and a further leisure operator to bring their brands to the city for the first time. “When we first took ownership last summer, we made a promise to the people of Lichfield that we would maximise its potential and we continue to invest our time, energy and money into making Three Spires an exciting leisure destination for both this city’s residents and tourists alike,” added Murphy. Three Spires attracts 9.9 million shoppers a year and has two car parks – Backcester Lane and Gresley Row – with over 160 vehicle parking spaces. It is also abuts the city’s bus station and railway station. For details about opportunities at Three Spires, contact Philip Murphy on 07850 079782.
Pounds Park, the new city centre park situated in Sheffield’s Heart of the City, has enjoyed a successful opening period since being launched on Monday 3 April. Thousands of visitors have headed to the park to see the latest public space to open in the Outdoor City. Within the first week, there have been an estimated several hundred people flocking to the park to enjoy the early spring sunshine, with young children enjoying the slides and other facilities in the dedicated play area. Pounds Park sits within the centre of the Heart of the City scheme surrounded by key developments including 38 Carver Street and soon-to-be-completed Kangaroo Works and Elshaw House, the city’s first net-zero carbon office building. Adopting its name from John Charles Pound, the first Chief Fire Officer of the former fire station that previously occupied the site, the park signals another milestone reached in the £470 million Heart of the City scheme undertaken by Queensberry as Strategic Development Partner to Sheffield City Council and contractors Henry Boot Construction. Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry said: “It’s fantastic to see just how many people have made the journey to see Pounds Park this past week. “We were confident that the park would be well received by the people of Sheffield, but seeing the number of people enjoying the space has been overwhelming. From children running around the play area to city centre workers enjoying their lunch in the sun, it’s great to see that we are making spaces that add real value to the local community.” Pounds Park is open from 08:00 – 20:00 and is currently accessible to the public from Rockingham Street and Carver Steet. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The award-winning architects and interior designers at Marchini Curran Associates, have led on design services for the expansion of the independent Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester. The pivotal scheme, funded by Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), alongside independent funding organisations, has transformed the city centre venue with an extension of the Midland Street site, which has been the cinema’s purpose-built home since its relocation to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter in 2009. The project, which started in September 2021 under the Scape National Construction Framework has involved adding two new cinema screens, a large digital art gallery, extended café bar, a multi-purpose events space and rooftop terrace bar, to accommodate more visitors and expand the programme of this much-loved independent cinema and arts venue which has been part of Leicester’s cultural scene for 60 years. The client design brief was a fully inclusive environment catering for the diverse spectrum of user groups, staff, and visitors – to create a multi-functional space that changes its personality from the day into the evenings. The integration of spaces was key and the concept of the building was designed to counterbalance the enhanced box office within the existing building with a new café bar space, forming a bookend within the new extension, to create a seamless harmonisation between old and new. To achieve this Marchini Curran introduced a new two storey spine wall that runs from the two existing cinema screens through the building to link the gallery, café bars and new screens together. A feature staircase runs up the side of the spine wall giving visual access to the upper floor roof terrace, allowing natural light to penetrate the centre of the ground floor dining area. Andrew Bull, Director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “Phoenix is an integral part of the city, offering invaluable space for the independent film and arts scene to thrive and we’ve treasured delivering architectural and interior design works for such a renowned cultural arts space in the city of Leicester.” John Rance, Phoenix Chief Executive, said: “People love the new spaces. The reactions of our diverse customer groups and stakeholders has been very positive.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Special Projects, the specialist operating division of RED Construction Group, has been appointed by Merlin Entertainments to deliver the hub facilities for Phase One of LEGOLAND Windsor’s Woodland Village which will open in Spring 2024. Opening in Spring 2024, the £35 million LEGOLAND Woodland Village will feature 150 accommodation lodges in its Phase One development, attracting thousands of UK and international visitors to Windsor, who will be able to enjoy creating magical memories together as a family surrounded by nature. The 10-acre site which is designed around the Resort’s woodland area and lake will also host enchanting nature trails complete with an amazing variety of animals built out of LEGO® bricks, a family entertainment space, an on-site restaurant, brick building activities and story time areas. RED Special Project’s works will include the creation of a large ‘Hub’ to provide a restaurant, stage, bar, various play areas, large WC facilities, and an industrial kitchen. David Nelson at Merlin Entertainments, commented: “Our aim with LEGOLAND Windsor has always been to create a unique experience for our visitors, and this project is no different. It is wonderful to be working with a team who are just as passionate about this project as we are, and we trust RED Special Projects will do an amazing job with this development.” Nathan Farrar, Construction Director at RED Special Projects, said: “At LEGOLAND Windsor, Merlin Entertainments provide a fun and joyful experience, inspiring creativity through architecture and construction. Our Special Projects division was formed to deliver unique and tailored projects such as this one, and we are hugely excited to undertake this project with such an iconic client. Most of us grew up playing with LEGO so it truly is a full-circle moment to be delivering this exciting project at LEGOLAND, one that no doubt will make our team feel like kids again!” RED Special Projects benefits from its relationship with RED Construction Group, with clients having access to the company’s wider supply chain and having the flexibility to call upon the additional resource of the Group whenever necessary. Working across a wide scope of industries, RED Special Projects primarily focuses on the commercial, residential, hotel, and retail arenas. The team also has extensive expertise in specialist areas such as listed building refurbishments and structural alterations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Everton and Laing O’Rourke have held a ‘topping out’ ceremony at Everton Stadium to mark the completion of the structure. Dignitaries from the Club and its construction partner jointly celebrated the achievement, just 20 months since work began on the semi-derelict site at Bramley-Moore Dock. All four stands have since been erected to full height, with the final sections of steelwork and terracing units being installed on top of the east stand, where the ‘topping out’ ceremony and speeches took place. Chief Stadium Development Officer Colin Chong, who poured the concrete mix into the final slab at the ceremony, praised the “professionalism, commitment, dedication and effort” of all involved in the stadium development. He added: “It’s a real milestone! Topping out ceremonies are very common in the building industry, but to do it in such circumstances, where the relationship with the contractor is absolutely fantastic, makes this a great occasion. “Laing O’Rourke have taken on their responsibilities wholeheartedly and it’s a pleasure to be a part of this ceremony. “The project has had to overcome many hurdles, but what can’t ever be questioned is its importance to the future of Everton Football Club and, more dramatically, its importance to the economy and the people of the Liverpool City Region. “That is why we should all take immense pride in ‘topping out’ while the project remains firmly on track.” Chong added: “As a Club, we are just the enablers. We pull a plan together, procure the land, secure the planning application and pick the right partner. “They then take that ownership off us and deliver, so this stadium is testament to the truly collaborative relationship between Everton and Laing O’Rourke, as well as our partners and consultants.” During the ‘topping out’ ceremony, and following tradition within the construction industry, a fir tree was hoisted atop the east stand in a symbolic gesture that has several origins, including a Native American belief that no building should be taller than a tree. Laing O’Rourke Project Director Gareth Jacques explained: “The ceremony is traditional in the construction industry when a structure reaches its highest point. When we finish the last piece of section of steel or in this case concrete slab, we pass a fir tree over the structure, which is an ancient tradition and is said to being good luck and prosperity to the occupants for many years to come. “Personally, I love the ceremony because it is focused on the workforce and what the construction team have achieved. With the support of our designers, supply chain partners and office colleagues, what everyone can see today is what has been achieved in 90 weeks. That is phenomenal. “What we do isn’t easy and we have some of the best people in the industry, and some of the engineering we adopt at Laing O’Rourke is very cutting-edge. “What you see is a result of doing some really difficult sub-structure work through the winter months, when there was rain, hail, it was very windy and not pleasant at all. “To do all that and keep slightly ahead of schedule is impressive and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved. “I genuinely believe that what the team are delivering is going to be a fantastic stadium, which the fans will love.” Work continues at Everton Stadium to complete the roofing structure on the west and east stands, while the initial fit-out has begun simultaneously on numerous levels of the two main stands. Everton Stadium, which will have a capacity of 52,888, be fully accessible and include safe-standing, is due to be completed in the 2024-25 season. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Holiday Park Operator Haven and a Blackstone portfolio company, are set to invest more than £170m across multiple sites in the UK in 2023. The expansion follows the continued growth in demand for staycations and includes new activity across its 41 parks. Haven is one of the UK’s most popular family holiday and holiday home ownership brands. The investment includes a staff recruitment drive, upgrading existing parks and opening new sites across the country in 2023, including Allhallows, in Kent, Thorpe Park, in Lincolnshire and Skegness, in Lincolnshire, both of which are due to open this summer. Haven managing director Simon Palethorpe said the investment would bring “greater employment opportunities and significant economic benefit to the local communities”. The move takes Haven and Blackstone’s total investment in the business to more than £400m. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals