Working alongside main contractor Metnor Construction BJF Group’s Mechanical and Electrical Division has recently completed a £3.3 Million M&E fit out at the new Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre operated by Everyone Active.
The aim of the new £20m 6,000m2+ Centre designed by GT3 Architects was to replace the 1950’s Hornchurch Sports Centre which was at the end of its serviceable life and to create a leisure facility for future generations of health and fitness enthusiasts. The result is a bright, spacious, and accessible facility that is both ultra-modern and in keeping with its surroundings.
Not only is the new building visually appealing, BJF Group’s Mechanical & Electrical design means that the facility is also highly sustainable, achieved through a selection of low energy products and the use of combined heat and power (CHP) generation, photovoltaic (PV) panels and heat recovery systems. These technologies working in conjunction with a thermally efficient building fabric has resulted in an A+ energy rating.
The standout areas within the new facility are the Pool Hall and fitness suites, both having unique and specific sets of requirements. The pool hall encompasses both an 8 Lane Pool and diving pool boasting Varipool technology allowing for the depth to be altered to suit user needs and ‘Pool View’ drowning prevention which provides additional safeguards to users. BJF installed the mechanical and electrical infrastructure to facilitate these specialist systems.
A well-conditioned controlled environment in keeping with Sport England guidance was achieved though CFD analysis. The correct sizing and selection of air handling units, chlorine resistant ductwork and positioning of fabric air socks provided the optimal air distribution, temperature and humidity control. A fully integrated Trend BMS system provided for setpoint control within.
Owing to the high heat load within the fitness suite the selection of the most suitable air conditioning system was paramount. We chose a high-efficiency Mitsubishi VRF system with around 35 cassettes capable of providing consistency of temperature within a large area and dealing with the pressures of such an environment.
The old centre is now being demolished to make way for expanded car parking including 50 Pod Point electric vehicle charging points, lighting and CCTV which will be installed, tested, and commissioned by BJF Group.
Steve Chapman, Head of M&E at BJF Group said:
“This was a large scale, complex and hugely rewarding project for our team to be involved with.
The success of the project was down to the skill and dedication of everyone involved and their close collaboration with all stakeholders from the early M&E design phases through to completion.”
Shaun Powell, Contracts Manager for Metnor Construction said:
“BJF Group have been fantastic from the very start. The collaboration, coordination and communication were fantastic throughout
By far they have been one of the best M&E contractors that I have worked with in the last 22 years”
