Brief
The project comprised the construction of the new Skyliner Sports Centre adjacent to the Sybil Andrews Academy.
The new building provides sports facilities for both the Academy and for use by the general public. The scheme also included the provision of new external MUGA pitch facilities.
The accommodation provided includes a new sports hall, dance studios, gym, changing areas, equipment storage facilities, reception areas and plant space. The building incorporates a Biomass facility serving both the Sports Centre and the adjacent School.
Key Info
Type:
New Build
Value:
£6.5 million
Location:
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Client:
Suffolk County Council
End User:
Abbeycroft Leisure, Sybil Andrews Academy
Contractor:
Barnes Construction
Completion:
December 2016
Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Estates + Development Management, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy
Imagery
Scope
The building was constructed using a two storey steel framed structure with an insulated structural roof deck finished with a single ply roofing membrane.
The external envelope of the building was formed using a Metsec lightweight steel structural framing system set between the steel frame and clad externally with a decorative Rockpanel rainscreen cladding system. Internally, a specialist non-slip vinyl type floor was installed within the Sports Hall with timber sprung floors being provided in the Dance Studio and Gym areas.
Externally, hard pavings and a MUGA pitch with floodlighting formed part of the project in addition to drainage and new mains services.
Testimonial
“It’s been great to watch the development of a new first class sports facility here to support the new growing community at Moreton Hall alongside the recently opened Sybil Andrews Academy building. Pupils will really benefit from access to the full range of sports equipment and facilities as well as local people who can sign up for membership.”
Cllr Gordon Jones, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member (Children’s Services, Education and Skills)
Result
The sports centre will be managed by Abbeycroft Leisure, who also manage 18 other leisure facilities across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Located on the site of the Sybil Andrews Academy, on Rougham Tower Avenue in Bury St Edmunds, the centre is a partnership project with a 45 station, state of the art gym, two fitness studios, a four badminton court sports hall and an outdoor 3G all weather pitch. From the start of the project the aim has always been to have a school which has wider links with the community through shared use of leisure facilities.
The sports centre will be open to the public every day, with some shared daytime use of the sports hall by the Academy. There will be an extensive group exercise class programme every day including the popular Les Mills classes and various children’s activities during term time plus a ‘Schools Out’ programme.
Designed by Concertus and built by Barnes Construction, the project to develop the Academy and the adjoining sports facility has been a joint venture between West Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council, Abbeycroft Leisure and Samuel Ward Trust.