Kitto Construction

South Bristol Sports Centre - West Town Lane, Bristol

Introduction

Building upon successful relationships Kitto Construction was appointed to renovate and convert the old Imperial Sports Pavilion into an up to date member’s sports club to serve south Bristol in a project worth £2.6m.

This interwar two storey period pavilion of about 2,000 sq m was the main sports and social facility for Imperial Tobacco Company, a major employer in Bristol. Since Imperial downsized, part of the site was sold and developed for housing leaving the pavilion and some sports fields were given to Bristol City Council for community use. Unfortunately this facility had deteriorated and needed major repairs and improvement.

A non profit making trust between Clifton College, City Academy Bristol and University of West of England was set up to purchase and manage the facility with funding from the housing scheme, grants from sport bodies and private sources.

Kitto were invited to work with the Trust to help prepare the draft feasibility scheme for a phased refurbishing and updating the pavilion on the basis that the centre remained open throughout. Kitto’s ideas linked to their considerable experience and excellent track record for delivery, aided the refinement of the business plan. Upon approval of the scheme Kitto was appointed under a negotiated ‘design & build’ contract following which detailed design and specification work was commissioned from our team of specialist consultants.

The Scheme

The scheme was undertaken in three phases so that the facilities could be kept operational and income producing.

The overall contract was completed 6 weeks ahead of programme and within budget.

Phase 1

Converting the snooker hall into seven new changing rooms to serve the outdoor pitches. The existing M&E services were maintained whilst the new services were introduced and commissioned. A new all- weather pitch, grass pitches and revised car park was undertaken at this time by other contractors.

Phase 2

Three of the 5 squash courts were converted to provide a new Health and Fitness Suite comprising an exercise studio, sauna, steam room, male, female and disabled changing and toilet facilities at first floor; over an exercise gym, two treatment rooms and toilet facilities. The remaining two squash courts were refurbished.

Whilst maintaining the ground floor bars operational, the new entrance and reception/foyer with stairs and lift was formed and fitted out. New male, female and disabled toilets were added at first floor to serve the refurbished Function Suite where a new bar and kitchen was installed.

Phase 3

The ground floor bars were completely refurbished to provide the main bar, sports bar/skittles alley plus new toilets and staff offices.

Externally

As part of the phased refurbishment the exterior of the building was repaired and updated with new windows, doors, balcony decking and balustrades, prior to redecoration.