Kingfisher Leisure Centre
Seven-phased alteration and extension project at Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury.
Portfolio
Case studies
Learn more about the broad variety of projects that we have completed in recent years.
Case study
Kingfisher Leisure Centre
Extension, Alterations & Refurbishment of Leisure Centre
Project value
£2.4m
Project type
Mixed
Project length
52 weeks
Seven-phased alteration and extension project at Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury.
What Did The Job Involve?
The project comprised seven phases of work commencing with a new extension to the rear of the leisure centre including temporary wet change facilities. Once this was completed further phases included the alteration and refurbishment of the gym, dry and wet change areas and some limited external works.
The new extension comprised piled foundations, a steel frame and a mix of precast, metal decking and concrete infill floors. The extension is connected to the existing building at each level. The roof was a metal built-up system with flat and slated areas adjoining the existing. A new staircase was provided together with a platform lift. The extension included a new dance studio.
The changing areas were completed stripped out and refurbished. The existing gym was enlarged and a new spin studio formed. The AHUs were replaced and new MEP services were provided throughout.
What Were The Challenges?
The connection of the new extension to the existing structure was complicated with differing levels and inaccurate as-built information which became apparent after demolition works. The steelwork and timber joisting were adjusted on-site to suit.
The extension was located very near an outflow and a large pond. Method statements were adapted to suit and crane siting and access routes were clearly defined.
It was a requirement to keep the pool and centre open and functioning at all times and this was achieved without any interruption to supplies or services provided.
The COVID pandemic interrupted the progress of the work. We swiftly adapted our working procedures and protocols allowing the project to continue.
Beardwell’s Added Value
Marshall support was provided to a client-sponsored charity cycling event.
Maintenance works were completed for the centre without cost.
Prev
Close
NextView Project
Starbucks Braintree
Construction of new Starbucks outlet in Braintree including drive through facilities.
Case study
Starbucks Braintree
Construction of new Starbucks outlet
Project value
£600k
Project type
New Build
Project length
26 weeks
Construction of new Starbucks outlet in Braintree including drive through facilities.
What Did The Job Involve?
This project involved the completion of the design and construction of a new Starbucks cafe. This involved the demolition of an existing steel frame and masonry restaurant building followed by the construction of a new single-storey Starbucks drive-through café.
The building comprised new strip foundations, steel frame, external cladding brick& blockwork, aluminium windows and doors and all external works and drainage, leaving the unit ready for the tenant fit-out works.
What Were The Challenges?
Incorporating design changes presented the biggest challenge. The design had been based on standard Starbucks design guides but each Starbucks unit is designed individually taking into account local planning and building control requirements yet maintaining the brand. The landlord and tenant were contracted to differing versions of the style guide which had to be resolved during construction.
Material supply was also a challenge. Siberian larch had been specified for the external cladding and unfortunately, the timing of the project coincided with supply issues associated with Russia and the larch was held at the shipping ports for weeks. This had a major impact on production on site and the programme.
Beardwell’s Added Value
The existing building was a redundant Franky & Bennies restaurant, which had been closed down during the pandemic. Demolishing the existing building and constructing the new unit brought the area back into use, creating employment for local people during construction along with boosting revenue for the area.
Employing local people helped to reduce travel/journey times thereby improving personal work-life balance whilst also reducing our carbon footprint.
Prev
Close
NextView Project
Chelmsford Museum
The Chelmsford Museum is based in Oaklands House, an historic property off Mousham Street in Chelmsford. It is a Grade…
Case study
Chelmsford Museum
Grade II Listed Restoration & Extension
Project value
£1m
Project type
Mixed
Project length
24 weeks
The Chelmsford Museum is based in Oaklands House, an historic property off Mousham Street in Chelmsford. It is a Grade II Listed Building. The house was designed by Charles Pertwee for Frederick Wells, a director of Chelmsford Brewery, and completed by 1865. It was constructed with an elaborate campanile and went on to be used as a hospital during the First World War. Since 1930 the house has hosted the Chelmsford Museum.
What Did The Job Involve?
The City Council obtained National Lottery funding to renovate the Victorian section of the museum and provide a new café area. In addition the project included the construction of a new outdoor glass display for a Southend Pier train carriage, extension of the car park and refurbishment and extension of the old ‘Bothy’.
Works inside the Victorian building included the renewal and improvement of services including ventilation, repairs to the fabric and creation of new openings for external access. New toilets and washing facilities were provided as well as the new café and kitchen area. Externally new accessible ramps were constructed and an external patio area created outside the café.
What Were The Challenges?
Challenges on the project included the fact that the museum and grounds remained open throughout. A new water main was bored underground without disturbance to the existing entrance. The carpark was extended and bin store constructed whilst maintaining the existing spaces. Internally the building required sympathetic treatment where features such as the ornate staircase, cornices and doors were protected and retained.
The ‘glass box’ was designed and installed by our specialist and was required to provide weather protection and sufficient ventilation to protect the carriage, whilst at the same time connecting into the new extension Rheinzinc cladding panels. This was achieved without removing the facade of the existing building.
Beardwell’s Added Value
As the museum stayed open during the project, we had to work closely with both the City Council and staff at the museum to coordinate the works around ongoing operations.To help with this we carefully segregated our works from the open areas of the museum and installed clear signage directing site staff and visitors to the relevant routes and entrances.
Prev
Close
NextView Project
Southend Leisure Centre
Beardwell were appointed to undertake the refurbishment of the 1st floor gym, dry changing rooms, second floor studio and…
Case study
Southend Leisure Centre
Gym Refurbishment
Project value
£1m
Project type
Refurb
Project length
20 weeks
Beardwell were appointed to undertake the refurbishment of the 1st floor gym, dry changing rooms, second floor studio and replacement of the air handling equipment at Southend’s largest leisure centre.
What Did The Job Involve?
The first floor included the creation of several different workout areas and changing facilities. The area was completely remodelled to suit the new design including incorporation of new showers, hanging benches and lockers. The works included the installation of new M & E services, new suspended ceilings, flooring and decoration.
The second-floor studio works involved the installation of colour changing lighting to ensure that the room was compatible with the type of high energy classes being undertaken.
What Were The Challenges?
Most of the leisure centre was still open to the public and careful pedestrian management was required to ensure the safety and segregation of centre users and site personnel.
When installing the new air handling equipment, Beardwell were required to carefully manage the traffic to ensure the operations were undertaken safely and no disruption to the day to day use of the Centre’s operation.
The second-floor studio works were especially difficult as they were isolated from the main works areas which meant careful material management was employed to keep the public safe.
Beardwell’s Added Value
Beardwell Construction worked in close collaboration with Fusion Lifestyle and the staff at the leisure centre in order to coordinate the works around their continued operation or the wider facility.
This involved holding a pre-start meeting to agree the methodology. Once on site our site manager liaised with the leisure centre staff to ensure that our works did not disrupt their own operations.
Prev
Close
Next