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PROJECT: Gregson Lane Community Centre, based in Hoghton, Preston, required a 12M x 21M, 7-bay modular building to accommodate various daily activities. This large-scale build is fully air-conditioned and features a kitchen, bar, toilets, storeroom, and cricket club changing facilities.
CLIENT DETAILS: The new Springfield modular building at Gregson Lane Community Centre replaces a building that had served the community for around 50 years, which was in a poor state of repair. Jacqui Gibson, the Chair of the Gregson Green Charity, which is responsible for the building, commented: “To be honest, I don’t know how it survived so long!
The funds to finance the brand-new building were raised through a 10-year fundraising project by residents, who managed to raise £200,000, and a welcome grant contribution from South Ribble Borough Council of £300,000. South Ribble Borough Council was keen to support the project and encourage more people to be active and enjoy the many activities provided and the adjacent green space.
The accommodation is used daily for a variety of activities and additionally offers a changing room for Gregson Lane Cricket Club during the cricket season.
KEY ISSUES FACED BY CLIENT: Raising the funds was clearly a major task, but once raised, they also faced other challenges, including the demolition of the existing building with asbestos present and managing the new project with little experience. The electrical supply also proved to be a problem, being unsuitable for the demands of the new building. There was also the need to source a manufacturer who could help them manage the project.
WHAT SPRINGFIELD DID: Springfield was originally contacted to provide a cost for replacing the existing building, like for like; however, during our discussions, the additional funding from South Ribble Council was secured, which enabled us to provide a larger building and provided the opportunity to create more community space to accommodate larger activities and functions. We worked with the client to ensure they understood the wide range of choices and finishes available both internally & externally and created a space absolutely fit for purpose and perfect for their needs. We were also able to provide peace of mind for them by offering a full turnkey package, which removed all their concerns over planning permission, building regulations, groundworks utility connection and all of the other issues which can prove to be a daunting task for the uninitiated. We also included external electrical connections to enable them to plan external events.
SUMMARY & KEY BENEFITS: Gregson Lane Community Centre now has a brand-new building designed to suit its precise requirements. This building provides more space than the previous accommodation, allowing for a multitude of activities and community events. It additionally removed the distinct possibility that the cricket club would have lost its place in the league following the decision to condemn the old changing rooms as unfit for purpose.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID: “We are already enjoying the centre, and everyone who comes in is very impressed” – Jacqui Gibson
