East Riding Leisure Bridlington

Overview

Mason Clark Associates (MCA) was appointed to provide civil and structural engineering design, building surveying, and CDM Principal Designer services for the £22 million redevelopment of Bridlington Leisure World.

The original leisure centre had reached the end of its operational life, so was replaced with a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility in order to provide the desired high-quality, sustainable and flexible amenities for the community.

The new development, known as East Riding Leisure Bridlington, is a landmark facility offering a wide range of sports, as well as leisure activities.

Challenges and Solutions

The redevelopment of Bridlington Leisure World presented several design and engineering challenges, which we addressed through innovative solutions:

• Sustainability and efficiency: from the outset, we integrated sustainability into every stage of the project. Our design management approach focused on ensuring that efficiency was ‘designed in’ and waste was ‘designed out.’ We specified sustainable construction products that aligned with BREEAM requirements, balancing embodied energy, recycled content, product longevity, and low emissions.
• Time-sensitive programme: given the challenging scope and schedule, we promoted regular and enhanced meetings with all parties involved to ensure the timely completion of the design phase, allowing construction to proceed on schedule. This collaborative approach was key to staying on track despite the project's complexity.
• Compact building design: the new leisure centre occupies 2,000 square metres less space than the previous facility, creating a more efficient and compact footprint on the site. The development includes a four-storey building, with a lower ground floor plant room and retail units facing the seaward side, alongside an upper-level plant area.
• BIM and clash detection: we utilised Building Information Modelling (BIM) throughout the design stages to identify potential clashes, preventing costly delays during construction. This proactive approach allowed for smoother project delivery and maximised efficiency on site.

MCA's Contribution

We played a vital role in the successful delivery of this iconic project. Our team provided comprehensive civil and structural engineering design services, ensuring that the new leisure centre met the highest standards for sustainability and functionality.

Our key contributions included:

• Structural design: designing both the substructure and superstructure to ensure long-term stability and adaptability for future uses.
• Sustainability integration: adopting a principled approach to sustainable construction, balancing environmental impact with practical considerations for the longevity and maintenance of the building.
• BIM expertise: leading the integration of BIM models to streamline the design process and reduce on-site risks through clash detection and real-time collaboration.
• Recycling materials: utilising demolition materials from the old building within the substructure of the new facility, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices.

Results

The Bridlington Leisure World redevelopment was completed on time and within budget, much to the satisfaction of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The project won the prestigious BIM Project of the Year award, recognising the innovative use of BIM technology to enhance design and construction efficiency.

The new leisure centre features a swimming pool, a basement plant room constructed with waterproof concrete, and numerous other amenities.

The project is a prime example of how thoughtful design, sustainability, and collaboration can result in a world-class facility that serves both the local community and visitors alike.