Client: Rock UK Summit Centre
Team: Holder Matthias Architects; Bingham Hall Partnership; Provelio; McCann & Partners; PMP Consultants
The redevelopment of a live and operational climbing facility for the public included the construction of a two-story extension to provide 104 bed short stay residential accommodation; associated conference facilities; dining hall and a kitchen.
A complex mixture of new build, accommodation building with en-suite rooms, plus refurbishment of the existing indoor climbing facility and café required an effective, skilled and motivated site team. Especially in light of the severe weather experienced during the winters in Trelewis during the project, with some days not getting above -5’c at all. Refurbishment of the old mine buildings on site also occurred. Providing new offices, dance studio, gym and staff areas. Within the project Henstaff also delivered a fully installed and functioning Kitchen and associated ventilation, fire systems and refrigeration required for the Centre to operate effectively once complete.
This JCT 2011, Design & Build project, was originally over budget. By the client partnering with Henstaff to provide value engineering of over £1.2m the project was brought within budget. Through workshops with the architects, structural engineer, client, specialist consultants and our whole supply chain the cost review and subsequent redesign enabled the project to commence. Under Henstaff’s management and facilitation we ensured an open and collaborative environment was created.
To provide for future flexibility, 3 number acoustic folding partitions were installed during the contract to the meeting rooms and conference facilities within the single storey extension to the west. These were tested by our Acoustic Consultant alongside the accommodation areas at the end of the contract to ensure compliance. Drying rooms, showers, toilet blocks and changing areas were fitted out, including wash down zones both internally and externally due to the caving and Watersports activities undertaken locally by the children requiring this.
Environment
Works to external areas area included the provision of new pumping station, secure storage areas and the “swamp” play area. To supplement the existing man-made caving system, aerial adventure courses and numerous outdoor instructed activities. As the “swamp play” name suggest this was carried out adjacent to the Taff Bargoed river and required additional work and access permits and protection to be installed and managed during the works. No incidents occurred.
The construction programme and works were coordinated with the Centre to allow for visitor groups and the public to use the climbing walls and the local areas with minimal disruption.
Beyond Construction
The client, whilst a private company, also has a charity arm, that, during the build Henstaff Staff and the wider team carried out fund raising activities in the form of “Climb Bedlinog”. This was a virtual climb of the height of the local mountains raised over £854.50 and has paid for less fortunate kids to be able to attend and experience the centre.
Since opening the Summit centre has been a great success, winning the Best Regional Activity Provider Award for it’s wide range of activities for schools, youth groups, churches and individuals.
