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Post by Cllr Simon Tagg on Aug 13, 2009 12:22:10 GMT
Some of Britain’s leading architects are bidding to link up with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in a multi-million pound health and wellbeing project. Just under 40 companies contacted the authority to put their names forward to design the £12 million scheme. The calibre of those hoping to be appointed as project architect has been so high that council officers have had to double their proposed short-list from four to eight.
Simon Tagg, Leader of the Council and portfolio holder for customer service and transformation, said: “This is an extremely important project for the borough so we were delighted to receive such an excellent response to this process. This is a very important appointment and the preferred architect will have been selected by the end of August. This will enable us to move forward with the development which will be built on Council owned land, firmly putting us in the driving seat for seeing this project through to completion.”
The council has also gone through a procurement process aimed at recruiting expert help from structural engineers and mechanical and electrical consultants. Officers have drawn up a project plan for the centre and established a small number of groups - involving the council and its partners - who will take responsibility for driving the scheme forward and making sure deadlines are hit.
Cllr. Mary Maxfield, Cabinet member for culture and active communities, pictured right with Simon Tagg at the site of the new pool, said: “This is one of the biggest projects the borough council has been involved in and I am sure it will provide our residents with state-of-the-art facilities to enjoy for years to come.This is not just about providing a gym and a pool, it is about providing facilities and activities which make a bigger contribution to the health and wellbeing of our residents."
The council has already confirmed the facilities for the new centre – earmarked for the former Subaru garage site in Brunswick Street, Newcastle – and it includes:-
● 25 metre eight-lane swimming pool
● 15 metre learner pool
● 80-station fitness suite
● two dance studios
● health suite
● treatment and seminar rooms
● cafeteria
A detailed environmental investigation of the site has been carried out by a specialist team and those results are now being analysed. Residents and staff will be consulted on elements of the building’s appearance as well as the range of activities, classes and tuition they would like to see provided. Once the building opens in the autumn of 2011, the aging Jubilee Pool and Knutton Recreation Centre will close.
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Post by Cllr Simon Tagg on Aug 13, 2009 12:42:54 GMT
The question is bound to be asked how is this project going to be different from the failed Sports Village Project?
The new swimming pool development which will be built on Council owned land, firmly putting the Borough Council in the driving seat for seeing this project through to completion.
The Sports Village relied on Newcastle College for it to go ahead. It was to be built on their land next to their new college building.
The reason that that project didn’t go ahead was because Newcastle College needed to push ahead with building their new college and could not wait for plans for the a new pool and sports halls on their site to be finalised and incorporated in to their funding bid which they had to submit to the government.
I am confident that this new project for brand new swimming pool for Newcastle will be a success similar to the recent successful reopening of the Guildhall – because we control it fully..
Roll on December 2011 and the opening of the new facility!
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Post by Cllr Simon Tagg on Sept 11, 2009 13:04:07 GMT
Top architects appointed to health and wellbeing project
One of the country’s leading sports architecture companies has been appointed to work with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council on its multi-million pound Health and Wellbeing Centre.
The Wm Saunders Partnership – who have offices in London, Cardiff, Nottingham and Leeds – have been selected following a rigorous procedure which saw nearly 40 companies bidding for the prestigious contract.
Borough council officials made the announcement today as they revealed the design team for the project has now been assembled.
As well as the Wm Saunders Partnership, other specialist advisors have been recruited for a range of tasks including mechanical and electrical work and structural experts.
Simon Tagg, Leader of the borough council, said: “The Wm Saunders Partnership has some very impressive credentials and we are delighted they are on board.
“They have been involved in some exceptional sports and leisure design projects and we are sure they will help us to deliver a new landmark building in the town with truly first class facilities.”
The award winning company is currently working on leisure projects in York, Redcar, Louth and Malton. It has experience at numerous other locations across the country.
Cllr. Mary Maxfield, Cabinet member for culture and active communities, said: “The facilities mix has already been established and it will see a 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool; 15-metre learner pool; 80-station fitness suite; dance studios; health suite; treatment and seminar rooms and cafeteria.”
She added: “There are still plenty of issues which residents, staff and user groups will be able to have a say on.
“We will be engaging with as many groups as possible over the coming weeks as we build up to submitting a planning application before Christmas. What they say will be fed into the development process and will help the design team to determine how spaces, services and facilities take shape.”
Chris Holdsworth from the Wm Saunders Partnership said: “We are delighted to have been chosen and we are looking forward to working with the council in delivering a high class facility.”
NHS North Staffordshire is working in partnership with the borough council and part-funding the development to help to make sure that the centre meets the health needs of local people when it opens its doors in late 2011.
Concept drawings for the £12 million scheme – which is earmarked for a site in Brunswick Street close to Newcastle town centre - are now being worked on by the specialists and these will be used to help with the engagement process.
A preliminary discussion has already taken place with key stakeholders in the Council Chamber this week and more consultation will take place as the project moves forward.
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