The comprehensive refurbishment and transformation of a 1950s building, originally the school canteen for the former Greenways Secondary School for boys in Southmead, Bristol. Situated within the Greenways Centre, the objective of this scheme was to create a modern, accessible and energy-efficient facility designed to support young people, families and diverse community groups. The revitalized space now provides vital areas for connection and promotes overall well-being within the Southmead community.
The completed facility offers a range of adaptable spaces, including six dedicated consulting rooms, a versatile group activity room, and a spacious main hall. Supporting amenities include a functional galley kitchen and accessible toilet facilities.
The extensive scope of work undertaken over a 37-week programme duration to achieve the transformation included:
Roofing System Upgrade: Complete removal of the existing roof covering and installation of a new, energy-efficient "warm roof" system, inclusive of updated rainwater goods to enhance weather protection and thermal performance.
Sustainable Energy Integration: Installation of a Photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage capabilities, significantly reducing the buildings carbon footprint and operational energy costs.
Floor Infrastructure Enhancement: Installation of a new, level floor screed throughout the ground floor, providing a stable and even base for the new interior finishes.
Structural Modifications and Access Improvements: Implementation of structural alterations, including the creation of new internal and external entrances. A key element was the careful reduction of the new main entrance level to ensure seamless accessibility from the existing car park.
Interior Space Configuration: Construction of new internal spaces through the installation of plasterboard partitions and masonry walls, effectively delineating the various consulting rooms, group room and main hall.
Comprehensive Building Services Upgrade: Installation of entirely new electrical and mechanical services, including a full ventilation system to ensure optimal air quality, a modern access control system for enhanced security, and a state-of-the-art fire alarm system for occupant safety.
Facade and Fenestration Renewal: Installation of new, energy-efficient windows and door systems, improving the building's thermal performance, aesthetics, and security.
The latest chapter in the long-running story of the Victorian building has evolved to reveal a new powerhouse of creative industries for young people, allowing them to reclaim the space which used to deliver prison sentences to young men and women back in the day.
The building fell into disrepair after closing in 1975 but guardians of a monumental project Creative Youth Network (CYN) has now finished renovating the Grade II-listed building thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Included in the refurbishment works was the restoration of the existing skylights which were damaged through dilapidation as well as many other areas brought back to life whilst working in close collaboration with the Conservation Officer.
Client comment: “Rebecca Scott, head of estates at Creative Youth Network said: “The Courts has now been reclaimed.
“What was a derelict building is now repurposed to provide a space for the creative and cultural industries, that offers genuine support and opportunities for young people from all walks of life to get experience, build their professional skills and networks and to start a career. Young people have made decisions on the building’s vision, design, tenants, and future. We’re excited to launch the Courts as a space that explores Bristol’s heritage whilst fostering new creative work, partnerships and collaborations.”
The Courts
Creative Youth Network
This project was secured in competition through the Bath & North East Somerset Council 4-Year Framework.
Comprising of an internal re-fit and refurbishment of a large 4-storey office facility originally completed in 2014. The project aims were to allow a greater number of the Client employees to use the building in a new collaborative way, reducing the reliance on desk layouts for a more open arrangement to encourage the mixing of teams.
The works consisted of soft-strip and light demolition of meeting rooms, office areas and kitchenettes, followed by the installation on the upper floors of large Tea points and collaborative spaces, new open plan office areas with call booths, and an enhanced self-service cafeteria and dining area. Additionally works included a new remodelled reception area, a medical room, a new shower room and bicycle storage area on the ground floor.
The project included the design, alteration, refurbishment and upgrade of an existing multi-functional leisure facility at Cricklade Leisure Centre.
Works comprised of a plant room extension; removal and replacement of asbestos roofs to pool and gym areas; structural repairs to the pool roof; alterations and refurbishment to the pool, wet change area and squash courts; installation of mezzanine areas to the pool, wet change area and squash courts; installation of further mezzanine level to create a first floor meeting room and gym expansion; alterations and refurbishment to the dry change area; installation of platform lift; internal alterations to the Youth Centre and associated external works.
The project was carried out in phases whilst the remaining leisure centre remained occupied and in use by members of the public.
Geldards Law Firm approached B&S to tender for this project under a competitive basis.
During the tender stage we engaged on a number of occasions with the Clients team and carried out a series of site visits. This was important as the project was located within the busy Capital Quarter area of Cardiff and access/egress to the building was logistically challenging. The project was awarded to B&S following the provision of a robust tender proposal.
The contract was for the provision of a new office and client space for Geldards Law Firm in the Capital Quarter development area of Cardiff. The completed project included works to two floors (6th & 7th) which comprised of a mixture of office and client space and was carried out whilst the building remained occupied.
Works included new mechanical and electrical installation to office and kitchen spaces, new ceilings, flooring system, the construction of new internal partitions to create partner spaces and offices, new decoration throughout and the installation of contractors FF&E.
The works comprised of the transformation of a derelict site in the centre of Stoke Gifford in Bristol into a new church and community centre.
The multi-purpose centre included a 600-seat auditorium and consists of a steel frame construction with pre-cast concrete flooring and a traditional pitched roof covered with natural slate tiles. The original barn stone wall was de-constructed and re-built within the new structure.
The project included a substantial amount of social value and fund raising initiatives.
The project was secured following a 2-stage procurement process and comprised of the extensive refurbishment of the Dyson Institute for Engineering Technology.
The fast track project required the refurbishment and upgrade of 13,000 sq.ft of office, teaching, laboratory and break out space whilst surrounding buildings remained occupied.
The works were completed over multiple phases to meet key 'live' dates for our Client through 2019 and beyond.
Conversion and refurbishment of an existing warehouse to provide new office accommodation and carried out under a Design & Build contract.
The project comprised of the reconfiguration of an existing warehouse into office accommodation. Included within the project was the complete facade replacement with full height glazing panels. The project was carried out within a 'live' office and research environment and all necessary measures were undertaken to ensure no disruption to the Client's daily business actvity. The project was safely and successfully delivered and is now being utilised by over 400 employees.
This project was a perfect example of halting works to suit the Clients business needs. During the construction process the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer was to be launched and a ceremony was taking place within the building that we were refurbishing. Bray & Slaughter took all necessary health and safety precautions to ensure that the building was safe to be utilised for the purpose required by the Client. The launch took place and was a success whilst all attendees were kept safe.