Framed in steel keeps Worcester fit

Olympic rowing medalist Zac Purchase MBE has officially opened the steel framed David Lloyd Leisure Club in Worcester.

Opened in time for the Christmas holidays, the centre (featured in NSC June 2012) benefited from steel’s speed of construction and its long span qualities.

Speed was an important issue on this project and James Killelea managed to erect the entire frame in just five weeks.

“We’ve done similar David Lloyd projects and this helped us,” said James Killelea Project Manager Bob Allan.

As time was of the essence the fabrication of the steelwork was done while the early preparatory works were being carried out on site. The project is located on a former car park which needed to be cleared before a culvert was diverted and pad foundations installed in readiness for the steel erection.

“Once steel was on site the main frame went up quickly and on schedule, which meant we could then get the roof on and let all the follow-on trades get started,” commented Mark Allen, Project Manager for main contractor Pellikaan Construction.

The Worcester centre consists of a two storey structure with an asymmetric curved roof which allows sufficient space for three internal tennis courts – two of which are on the upper level along with a 900m² fitness suite. The ground floor accommodates a 25m swimming pool, entrance bar and restaurant, a children’s pool, a sauna and changing rooms.