Building the Future: Our Role in the Allander Leisure Centre & Adult Resource Centre Project
The Allander Leisure Centre has been an institution in the East Dunbartonshire area for decades, however a transformative project has been unfolding over the past five years to rethink, redesign and reconstruct the well-known sports complex as a hub of sporting and learning excellence. It has now emerged from completion as a symbol of ambition and progress. At the heart of this venture stands Doig + Smith, as NEC 3 Project Manager and Supervisor, orchestrating the construction of this new adult resource centre and topflight sports facility.
A Vision Takes Shape: Design and Inception
The journey commenced with a twelve-month design period that laid the foundation for this ambitious sports complex. On January 11, 2021, the vision started to materialise as construction work kicked off on the existing site. The proposal was nothing short of ground-breaking: the demolition of this aging behemoth of a sports facility to make way for two new purpose driven structures.
The first building houses an adult resource centre and a state-of-the-art leisure facility. The second, a lightweight sports dome, hosts a football and tennis centre. These two structures are seamlessly linked by a glazed corridor, surrounded by meticulously planned hard and soft landscaping. The budget, a substantial 41 million, underscores the scale and importance of this project for East Dunbartonshire Council.
A Tandem Build: Phases of Construction
Dividing the colossal project into manageable phases became imperative, here at Doig + Smith, we took on the role of conducting this complex orchestration.
Phase 1: Demolition and Construction
The inaugural phase involved the demolition of the existing football and tennis facility, making room for the leisure complex. Both phases are now complete and open to the public. Our meticulous project management ensured that the new structures not only met but exceeded expectations.
Phase 2: Construction Progress
With Phase 1 concluded, attention shifted to Phase 2 – the closure and demolition of the existing leisure centre and car park. The works progressed on site to schedule, a testament to the strategic planning implemented by Doig + Smith as Project Manager. As the dust settles, a new era begins for Allander Leisure Centre.
Phase 3: Looking to the Future
As Phase 2 concluded, the groundwork for Phase 3 began – the construction of the new football and tennis centre to replace the former leisure facility. This final phase was a culmination of years of planning, dedication, and execution, all under our supervision.
Managing the Project: A Balancing Act
Our role always extends beyond mere project management. As stewards of the NEC Contract, we shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the project’s successful delivery on time and within budget. Acting as the NEC Supervisor, we guarantee that not only is the project completed promptly and economically, but also that it attains a lasting quality in line with the stakeholder requirements, in this case namely East Dunbartonshire Council.
The project faced its fair share of challenges, not least navigating the design period during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the resilience displayed by all at D+S and the entire Allander project team ensured that the necessary pace continued unabated. Remarkably, financial close was achieved within a mere twelve months from inception, a testament to the commitment of the team.
A Tapestry of Stakeholders
A project of this magnitude is a tapestry woven with the threads of various stakeholders, each with their unique requirements and needs. Addressing this framework was undoubtedly a significant task, but through meticulous management, we always aim to transform any challenges into stepping stones. The successful completion of the project’s three phases, now open and welcoming service users, speaks volumes about the team’s overall success.
Beyond Construction: Legacy and Impact
As the Allander Leisure Centre emerges from design table into a tangible reality, the community stands to benefit immensely. Beyond the immediate impact, the facility and upgrades promise to endure for decades, contributing significantly to the grassroots development of sporting and cultural excellence within the local area. The residents will have access to a high-class sports & learning facility, a legacy of which Doig + Smith can proudly claim to have been an integral part.
Strength in Experience
Our involvement in this project is fortified by our existing community, leisure and sports experience. With in-house NEC Supervisors and strong relationships with the project team, we brought a wealth of knowledge to the table. This not only ensured seamless coordination but also enhanced our ability to address the diverse needs of the project and stakeholder management.
The Allander Leisure Centre project, with Doig + Smith at its helm, stands as a testament to the power of vision, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment. The three phases of construction, spanning five years, have transformed a concept into a reality that will reverberate through the community for generations to come. As the Allander Leisure Centre opens its doors to the public, it symbolises not just a construction triumph, but a legacy built on the foundation of excellence. A legacy to which we are proud to be forever intricately connected.
We enjoyed working the project team immensely:
Architect – Holmes Miller
Engineer – Bakerhicks
QS – Brown and Wallace
Planning Consultant – Stantec
Contractor – McLaughlan and Harvey
Client – EDC
Client/End user – EDLC