Clifford Health Centre, Commercial Project
Clifford Health Club approached Lacey & Owen Architectural Services in November 2014, to initially aid with the building regulations compliance of an existing extension which the previous architect had been removed from for failing to provide the information required. Our initial works consisted of a basic survey and draft drawing, along with a re-design of an escape stair which was blocking an escape route below. This was duly signed off by building control and the project could continue. We also aided in the signing off of a few planning conditions/issues which were associated with the existing extension.
Whilst these works were progressing Clifford Health Club approached us to produce a fee proposal for the potential development of their existing car parking area, with the aim of producing a world class spa and gym, including a swimming pool. This would be used and enjoyed by the people of Long Eaton, Nottingham, Derby and further afield. We initially produced a fee proposal to prepare architectural design drawings for the proposed extension, which we would then go on to develop both planning and building regulations plans and applications. The fee was accepted and our works began in early 2015.
There were several challenges involved in the proposed project but also within the existing building. The scale of the existing building, spread over 4 floors, each used as a different zone of the existing gym was a definite challenge as the gym is open 24hrs and has approx. 30k members. However we undertook a full measured survey of the existing building and the surrounding land to enable us to produce detailed architectural drawings of the existing building.
Sketch designs were then produced and the project evolved, with the final design consisting of a 2.5 storey side extension and single storey rear extension, which would see a 22x8m swimming pool to the ground floor, with an additional 4x4m hydrotherapy pool adjacent. The existing ground floor plan was then re-designed to produce larger changing facilities for both male and female users and the existing male changing and sports performance areas becoming part of the new spa extension, linking into the new pool hall. The 1st floor extension would produce a ladies only zone, almost doubling the size of the previous facility. The 2nd floor roof space would become the new sports performance area, which would be tripled in size and would feature top of the range weight lifting and gym equipment.
The existing building is an historic mill, located within the conservation area within Long Eaton town centre and it was important that the buildings history was reflected within the new extension. The extension is constructed on the site were a previous portion of the mill used to stand, but this section was destroyed by fire in 1967. It was important that this history was reflected and the new extension constructed sympathetically. A traditional design was opted for with the emphasis on producing a design which from the outside looked as if it could have been part of the existing building.
We received a positive response from the planning department and full planning was granted in January 16. During the planning process, we were involved in the initial tender process with the aim of works starting on site as soon as possible. Once planning had been granted and we agreed a fee proposal with the client which would see us act as architectural and technical advisor to the client throughout the construction phase of the works.
