The Brief

Julie Rose Stadium, built in 1997, supports a range of events from world class athletics to triathlons. Working for Freedom Leisure,  the UK-based not-for-profit leisure trust, the brief was to refurbish the existing gym and exercise studio.

The Delivery

Project Development

• We worked closely with Freedom Leisure to create the feasibility study and concept designs, in order to win the bid with Ashford Borough Council.

Project Delivery

Following the successful tender, we supported the project through:

1. Coordination of internal and external stakeholder communications in a challenging political environment.
2. Project Management, Cost Planning and Value Engineering throughout RIBA stages 0-4 to achieve executed contract on budget.
3. Management of the design team through RIBA stages 0-3 to deliver to scope.
4. We undertook an open book negotiation procurement process, supporting Local Authority community and business engagement.
5. Working closely with Freedom Leisure, we set up a Covid-safe temporary gym while work was carried out.
6. Implementation of rigorous Change Management processes through RIBA Stage 5-6 to deliver £170k additional works required by Client.
7. Cost Management throughout Stages 5-6 to deliver the project within budget with final account agreement within 4 weeks of completion on site.

The Outcomes

• Project delivered to scope on programme in 2021 and within approved budget, in a challenging pandemic environment.

Following the completed refurbishment of the gym and exercise studio, Julie Rose Stadium attracted a further £300,000 grant from Ashford Borough Council to deliver a re-surfaced athletics track.