Freedom Leisure Centres Refurbishment Case Study

McPhillips were commissioned to undertake the Capital Works Element (refurbishment works) to three leisure centres run by Freedom Leisure in South Somerset. Two of the centres were situated in Yeovil (Goldenstones and Westlands), the other in Wincanton. We worked alongside the clients PSDS appointed Mechanical & Electrical Contractor (Lorne Stewart) undertaking energy saving installation works.

The works comprised of:

Goldenstones
Refurbishment of gym
Construction of new spin studio with store room
Increase size of aerobics studio utilising the pool viewing area
Created a new reception area
Refurbishment of the back of house facilities
Upgrade of the disabled changing areas
Upgrade of the wet changing area
Installation swimming pool seating

Westlands
Enlarged and refurbished the gym area
Construction of a new aerobics studio
Refurbishment of the existing dance Studio

Wincanton
Relocation and enlargement of the gym
Construction of new spin studio
Creation of new storage facilities to the sport hall
Refurbishment of the aerobics studio
Provide a new reception desk and finishes to the lobby area
Install a new hygienic ceiling into the wet changing area

The challenges

The biggest challenge faced by our teams across all three centres was completing our works in a live leisure environment. A key consideration from the outset was how to keep the facilities running for members without compromising our work.

During our work at the Goldenstones centre we had to keep a swimming pool live whilst refurbishing the changing rooms. An additional challenge faced by our team at Goldstones was the realisation that the changing room structure was incorporated with the concrete substructure.

The solutions

In order to minimise disruption, we worked closely with centre managers and staff to devise walkways for public and staff areas. At Goldenstones we erected temporary screens, signage and barriers to maintain the swimming pool live use.

To mitigate against the severe disruption of noise and dust whilst taking out the concrete plinths at Goldenstones, our team worked from 10pm through to 6am.

The result

The project was completed within the budget. We were subsequently asked by the client to undertake further works to aid the PSDS elements (Leisure Energy Saving Plant). Feedback from the centres has been positive.

McPhillips Quantity Surveyor Doug Hampson commented: “We were presented with a few challenges throughout these works, particularly when trying to keep facilities open to members. However, our teams did a fantastic job in finding solutions that worked for all parties.”

Testimonials

"The site manager and assistant site manger did a fantastic job on the scheme, they were friendly, reliable, professional and their experience on managing the subcontract labour and technical ability was second to none."

Ian Lowe, BIT Group

"McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd undertook the construction of a recent public realm scheme in Shrewsbury, they provided traffic and pedestrian management to manage the construction of the scheme in a busy urban area, with high pedestrian footfall. All civils and re-paving works were completed to a high standard and in a tidy, productive and efficient manner. They were able to engage with Shrewsbury BID to aid in the planning of events, as well as liaising with local businesses and shops to minimise impact. They worked effectively and efficiently to complete works to the accepted programme and administered the contract well using web based management systems. There were good working relationships between all parties, and their on-site management of personnel was excellent."

Scott Hughes, WSP

"McPhillips were good to work with and they were always keen to resolve any issues or complications which obviously occur on such a large and complex project, probably the biggest S278 Worcestershire has ever dealt with."

Sally Everest, Worcestershire County Council

"Having been the first time we have used McPhillips as a main contractor we have been impressed at the ease at which we have developed a good working relationship to enable the project to be maintained to timeline and budget incorporating both additional work items and some more unusual occurrences on-site."

Richard Allen, London & Cambridge Properties

"We will most certainly use McPhillips again and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to other schools and colleges."

Sheena Hodgson, The Westwood Academy

"The site delivery team were extremely helpful. The site was clearly always orderly, fully resourced and well managed throughout. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the project was delivered on-time and within budget providing The Wrekin Housing Trust with a facility of which we are justifiably proud. Overall WHT is more than happy with McPhillips’ performance on Oakwood and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future."

Karen Lloyd, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"I will have no hesitation in employing McPhillips on other projects and therefore look forward to working with you again; it was a pleasure working with you and your team, demonstrating a positive approach throughout the project."

Mike Steele, Birmingham City Council

"The quality of the work provided is always of a high standard and every effort is made to accommodate the needs of businesses and residents impacted by the work. With regard to project management, I found the management team and site staff to be amenable at all times. I would highly recommend McPhillips to be considered for any highway regeneration projects or similar works."

Steve Hollins, Telford & Wrekin Council

"McPhillips carried out work for Adams’ Grammar School between May and September 2013. They did so under some stringent conditions imposed by the school and performed admirably to meet significant deadlines. Their work on site was also very impressive; their site manager was most professional and worked seamlessly with our own employee when there needed to be alterations/modifications. They worked very easily around children and kept an appropriate distance from our own work. When it came closer to the deadlines they produced work at an impressive speed in order that we were able to open on time. We will certainly use them again."

Michael Barrett, Adams' Grammar School

"I can truly say that I could not wish to have worked in conjunction with a more impressive and agreeable contractor than McPhillips. Many thanks for the experience."

Peter Oughton, Dogs Trust

"We’re delighted with the work carried out by McPhillips. Thanks to their excellent building and civil engineering experience and skills we’ve been able to create an enriched environment for our dogs."

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust

"We have no hesitation recommending McPhillips and look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the future."

Pam Edwards, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"McPhillips and their team were professional and efficient from tender stage through to contract completion, with a can do attitude that brought the scheme in on time and on budget within tight constraints."

Bob Nicholson, Pochin Developments

"Everyone has commented favourably on the quality of workmanship and the professional, courteous and organised approach of the men involved. As a consequence, the work was completed to a very high standard, in a very short time with the minimum of noise and disruption to residents."

Diane Peacock, Pengrove Residents Association

"McPhillips performed extremely well with a high quality of workmanship and a professional approach in dealing with the public and businesses in a very busy part of the town. I can confidently recommend McPhillips as a competent and professional contractor and since this scheme, I have worked with them on various projects and would be pleased to work with them again in the future."

Karl Farrow, Cheshire West & Chester Council

"I would have no hesitation in recommending McPhillips."

Paul Harris, Shropshire Council

"The team from McPhillips remained positive and proactive throughout, working with the Council's team to find solutions and deliver an enabled site which was fit for purpose. Their can-do attitude and pragmatic approach has been essential in delivering a successful project for the Council."

Kate Turner, Telford and Wrekin Council

"McPhillips has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and works collaboratively to achieve a quality product."

Peter Parker, Birmingham City Council

FREEDOM LEISURE CENTRES, SOUTH SOMERSET

Project Details

Project Images

Testimonials

Contact Us