A new build multi-function leisure centre for Braintree District Council which replaces the 40 year old existing Bramston Sports Centre in Witham, Essex.

The new centre was specifically designed to provide a high quality leisure experience as a part of Braintree District Council’s commitment to ensure that residents across the district have access to sport and leisure opportunities.

Challenge
SVM Building Services Design were appointed, by the design and build contractor, to develop performance based packages to detailed design for the mechanical & electrical services. The scheme included a central CHP plant, LED lighting, centralised and automatic lighting controls, intruder, CCTV & pool alarm systems, specialist pool area ventilation and a roof mounted photovoltaic system. The scheme was also targeted with achieving a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’.

The new building features a six-lane, 25m swimming pool, learner pool with a moveable floor along with spectator village, changing facilities, two squash courts, fitness suite, dance studios, sauna and steam room, treatment rooms for physiotherapy, beauty rooms and a Café and reception areas.

Solution
SVM BSD completed the detailed design of the mechanical & electrical services including working closely with the specialist providers of swimming pool equipment and sauna, steam, and treatment rooms to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors to the centre.

Working closely with the project architect and client to deliver a project with a BREEAM rating of very good, a significant factor in this was the design of a 200kw gas fired combined heat and power plant which supported the heating of the swimming pool.

Costs in use considerations were of high importance particularly for this local authority client and services were designed for reliability, durability and low energy consumption.

The Outcome
The outcome is a modern state-of-the-art leisure experience which caters for a full range of leisure activities which are accessible to everyone and rivals any private facilities available to the residents of Witham.