Client: West Lothian Council Professional Technical Services Framework
Location: Broxburn
Value: £2.8m
Project Outline: Appointed through The West Lothian Council Professional Technical Services Framework for the provision of Building Surveying Services 2014-2018 (1 of numerous projects delivered on this framework): The project works comprised the replacement of roof coverings to the main halls, changing rooms and spin studio of the Broxburn Xcite Sports Centre along with the replacement of rigid sheet cladding to the main elevation. Supplementary works also included the replacement of the suspended ceiling and lighting within the foyer and waiting area. The roof over the main halls was to be a single ply membrane and the lower roof to the changing rooms and spin studio would be a three-layer felt system. The client had requested that the new roofing systems incorporated insulation to improve the thermal performance of the roofs to meet current standards. The main elevation cladding was to be replaced with a composite trapezoidal panel, which would match the other elevations of the building.
Services: On this project full Building Surveying, Contract Administration, Project Management and Principal Designer Services were provided. In addition, due to the proposed project works, Summers-Inman also acted as the authorised agent for the submission of the Building Warrant application.
Key Challenges: The structural design for the replacement cladding was carried out from a desktop study of record drawings from Council archives, however, following our recommendation to check dimensions on site, record information was found to be inaccurate. This exercise highlighted that the existing structural steelwork would require significant alteration to support the new cladding. We advised our Client to amend the specification to a new composite cladding panel in order to avoid significant additional costs and programme delays on site. Following confirmation of the proposed specification by consulting with the Structural Engineers, Summers-Inman provided options for the alternative replacement cladding allowing the client to make a final and informed decision.
The effect on the operation of the sports centre had to be minimised in order to reduce the impact on income from bookings and events. This meant that the works had to be carefully planned to prioritise certain works at times where the centre could accommodate partial closures. This was managed by the production of a detailed programme of works and close monitoring with good communication and regular project meetings.
The works were necessary due to a lack of capital investment into the property and a lack of regular repair and maintenance. The finished project provided the local community with a fully refurbished and modern facility, bringing much needed investment into this vital local resource and encouraging them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Added value: Summers-Inman engaged at an early stage with the Council to establish a list of requirements for the performance of the two different roofing systems that would be installed under this project. We liaised with two different manufacturers to provide our Client with a full options appraisal and feasibility study to ensure best value and meet the Client’s requirements in terms of technical performance requirements and value for money. This allowed Summers-Inman to provide advice and develop the performance specification on behalf of the Council, which would allow the local authorities procurement rules to be adhered to, but still ensuring that suitable quality roofing systems were proposed during the open tender process.
Communication: The project involved a high level of key stakeholder inclusivity due to the nature and use of the building. It was vital to the Council, the user group and the sports centre operator that disruption to the building was minimised throughout the works. This required regular consultation and communication with all parties included the local community, sports centre management, community user groups, council estates and property teams, other consultants, principal contractors, sub-contractors and manufacturers. To ensure appropriate levels of communications, we acted as the Project Lead and held regular key stakeholder meetings throughout the project, keeping all parties fully appraised of the progress of investigations, findings and the resultant remedial works. All meetings were chaired and minuted by Summers-Inman with detailed minutes including allocated actions and timescales for delivery issued to all parties.
Delivery Team:
Aynsley Cheatley, Chartered Building Surveyor / Director: Project Director and Principal Designer
Michael Pollock, Associate Director: Project Lead, Project Manager, Building Surveyor & CAD Technician
Daniel Kemp, Building Surveyor: Building Surveyor & CAD Technician
Commendations:
Executive Councillor for culture and leisure, Dave King said: “The recent re-development of Xcite Broxburn Sports Centre and Swimming Pool has delivered first class leisure facilities for Broxburn.
“Customers of both facilities will appreciate the wide range of improvements, which will benefit local residents for years to come.”
Dr Cindy Brook, Chair of West Lothian Leisure Board, who run Xcite, added: “We are continually investing in our venues to improve the facilities on offer to the local community to help improve their activity, health and fitness. “The recent project in Broxburn’s two Xcite venues at the Sports Centre and Swimming Pool marks a major investment in the town to update the facilities and to secure the provision of their local sports and swimming activities”.
