|
PoolTooSmall tonight celebrates it's greatest moment since its birth in December 2009 as SADC and British Industry deliver to the people of St.Albans in style! First the Press Release on:- http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/press-room/items/2011/June-2011/twoextralanesforwestminsterlodgeleisurecentre.aspx New Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre to get two extra swimming lanes-15 June 2011. The development of the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre has been reviewed following concerns expressed by St Albans City and District Council’s incoming Cabinet about the need for additional public water space in the District.At a meeting on 7 June, Cabinet agreed to continue with the Leisure Centre development following an independent review. Cabinet members acknowledged the need for increased water space to meet forecast demand. They noted that it would be possible to extend the planned 25m x 8 lane pool to a 10 lane pool within the budget, if savings were made elsewhere on the project.Appropriate savings have now been identified and agreed with building contractor, Willmott Dixon. Therefore the main swimming pool is to be extended from 25m x 8 lanes to 25m x 10 lanes, providing a further 100m2 of water space.There is insufficient space to retain the poolside health suite, though there is a spa facility elsewhere in the centre. Further savings were found by working together with the construction team to change those construction materials and finishes which are expected to have a minimum effect on the ongoing running costs.In view of industry forecasts of reductions in the cost of PV panels, these will be removed from the works for now, with the expectation they can be installed for a lower cost at a later date.Overall there will be an approximate 25% increase to the main pool, but costs will be kept within the agreed budget.Cllr Mike Wakely Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage and a Civil Engineer commented: “We believe in actions not words. Within the first four weeks of its formation, the new Cabinet has completed the second stage of its 'root and branch' review of Westminster Lodge.“To make major changes to engineering works is extremely challenging at any time, but particularly so while the building’s piled foundations are being built. However with full appreciation to Willmott Dixon's project manager and all involved, a deal to widen the main pool to ten lanes has been finalised. “I am particularly pleased that we will retain the moveable floor which means we can provide an extensive programme of swimming lessons, plus a full depth competition pool.” Member contact: PoolTooSmall's technical expert comments:- "The 2 extra lanes are vital for all of us to enjoy overload free service in the Main Pool for certainly 30 years and probably more - we call it futureproofing . Instead of a "dead in the water " 8 lane pool with queues out the door soon enough , we now have the extra swimming space for our children, grandchildren and theirs yet to be born. The new 10 laner gives us a Maximum Bather Load of 177 compared with the present Lodge of 133 . ( An 8 laner gives you only 142 - insufficient). Let us now turn to the remarkable transformation with the New Lodge project and the key players. In just over 3 weeks since taking office SADC Executive leaders Cllrs Daly and Wakely sat down with the whole project team to make critical changes fast before it was too late with the construction contract running. So the PoolTooSmall accolades tonight go to the whole project team including officers , consultants Deloitte & assoiciates also S&P architects but critically Main Contractor Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd (WDCL). WDCL has shown flexibility and pragmatism in adapting to a new client and some tough changes to the specification. Well done lads ,we are proud of you - see you on site soon! SADC PRESS RELEASE -WESTMINSTER LODGE LEISURE DEVELOPMENT TO PROCEED! 08 June 2011.  "St Albans City and District Council’s Cabinet has decided to proceed with the Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre development and to look into increasing the number of lanes in the swimming pool from eight to ten within the existing budget.The move follows an independent review of the project’s business case which was instigated after the local elections in May by the incoming Cabinet. Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports Leisure and Heritage Read in full on the following links:- 1. The full report on review into the into the Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre development is available on the Council’s website. 2. A webcast of the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 7 June can be accessed via the Council’s website.  Finally , we wish to thank WDCL site manager Simon and his team under the considerate constructor scheme with their willingness to address change and share information.Good hard hat culure. A lorry oil spill on the road outside the Lodge fast cleared up by 2 WDCL staff - well done lads! Picture shows the view from the entrance of the present Lodge last week.
More later. |
Announcements: >