Piperhill Construction carried out an extensive 10-month refurbishment programme to overhaul the outdated existing facilities at Dromore Community Centre.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council invested £2.4m in the public sector project, which has completely modernised the centre, creating a spacious, multi-purpose fitness facility suitable for all ages and fitness levels with full disability access throughout.
The refurbishment included the construction of a 715m2, two-storey extension to accommodate a new purpose built fitness suite and gym, fitted with state-of-the-art exercise equipment on the upper floor.
Special 80mm high impact flooring was laid in the gym to alleviate damage from free weights. New football changing facilities, with capacity for four team rooms, was provided on the ground floor and the heating system was upgraded with highly efficient radiators and enhanced with heat recovery units.
The squash courts have been converted into a dual-purpose mini bowling alley, children’s party and community room, while the old gym will now be used as an additional multi-purpose exercise studio. On completion, Piperhill carried out additional landscaping and the construction of the centre’s car park.
Commenting on the project, Liam Sweeney, Senior Site Manager for Piperhill, said, “We treat each project like it’s our own. We are personally delighted with the outcome of this new build and refurbishment. We have delivered an attractive and updated building that will serve the local community well in the decades to come.”
“We always adapt our current construction working practices to suit the need of each individual project. The challenge at this site was the close proximity of the river. This meant we needed to dig extra deep foundations and also follow strict River Agency procedures to eliminate contaminants from running off and polluting the river.”
The site was closed for three weeks due to the Covid-19 lockdown. “Thankfully we had all our materials on site, so when restrictions were lifted, we weren’t held up by supply delays,’ said Liam.
“All of our subcontractors worked safely and very hard to get the project finished despite the unusual circumstances. They have been commended for their professional behaviour on-site. They all worked considerately together to get the job done.”
Piperhill have a proven track record throughout the UK’s public sector industry, including projects inclusive of extensions, refurbishment and fit out through to external landscaping works. Projects have included primary schools, airport facilities, University blocks and halls of residences, through to London’s first ever OnSide Youth Zone.
Project team…
Client: Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough
Council Main Contractor: Piperhill Construction
Architect: Kennedy FitzGerald
Structural & Civil Engineer: Hanna + Hutchinson Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Contractor: HTC Mechanical Services
Electrical Contractor: Haughey Electrical M+E Engineers: Williams & Shaw Ltd
Piperhill Construction Ltd,
Acorn Business Centre,
2 Riada Avenue,
Ballymoney,
BT53 7LH T: 028 2766 2123
E: info@piperhillconstruction.com
www.piperhillconstruction.com
Coyle suspended ceilings Ltd
Coyle suspended ceilings Ltd supplied and installed the ceiling package which included an innovative new Ecophon Access C system, walls and PVC hygiene cladding for Dromore Community Centre.
Ecophon Access C is designed to be installed in corridors or areas with service installations in the ceiling void where frequent access is required. The panels drop down like a hatch when access is required offering carefree accessibility.
Coyles have installed Ecophon Solo panels in numerous projects over the years and in this project they feature in the gym area. This free hanging ceiling system allows room volume to be maintained and is known for its superior acoustic qualities.
Altro Whiterock cladding installed in the changing rooms and shower areas continues to be a popular choice for clients seeking to create hygienic, easy-to-clean area.
Operating almost 30 years, Coyles provide supply and fit ceiling, wall, bespoke fit out and fire stopping services to a range of contractors, retail and office businesses, and homeowners.
Commenting on the project, Paul Coyle, Director, said, “It’s exciting to be involved in the installation of high-end products such as the Ecophon range used in this project. We worked closely with the Ecophon team for technical assistance throughout the project – their support was invaluable.”
“The community centre is a stunning space and the end result so obviously reflects the effort put in. The Piperhill team ensured the job ran smoothly to achieve a successful outcome for everyone.”
Coyle suspended ceilings Ltd
81b Creggan Road,
Carrickmore,
Omagh.
T: +44 (0)28 8076 0658
E: info@coyleceilings.com
www.coyleceilings.com
Haughey Electrical Ltd
Haughey Electrical Ltd delivered all the power, lighting, fire, door access, CCTV and disabled alarm systems, data networks and smart sound system for the Dromore Community Centre build.
Established in 1960, this family-run business provides professional domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services across a wide range of sectors including commercial, education, hospitality and leisure, ecclesiastical and healthcare.
Eddie Haughey, Director at Haughey Electrical says, “Our directly employed workforce has the experience to deliver projects to a high standard, on time.”
The project was carried out during the first Covid-19 lockdown, which presented unprecedented challenges for the Co. Antrim firm along with the rest of the industry. “We had to adopt new working practices like social distancing and material supplies were also affected,” says Eddie.
“Despite that, we are very pleased with how smoothly the project ran. It was a pleasure to work with Piperhill and we look forward to working on more projects with them in the future.”
T: +44 (0)28 2177 1295
E: info@haugheyelectrical.co.uk
www.haugheyelectrical.co.uk
HTC Mechanical
HTC Mechanical delivered the mechanical works for the state-of-the-art refurbishment and new build project at Dromore Community Centre.
The scope included developing and installing a Panasonic variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, CIAT air-handling units, Cylon controls system, Elco oil-fired boiler to serve the LPHW system and high-quality sanitary ware.
Established in 1996, by Hugh T Campbell, HTC has successfully transitioned from a small family run business to a premium company, working with some of the leading contractors across the country.
Mark Campbell, Contracts Manager HTC Mechanical said, “The SRC project was a great achievement for HTC. It consisted of some complex elements and required an analytical and forward-thinking approach from our team.
We found the installation, operation and commissioning of the VRF system of particular interest.
“We worked closely with Piperhill Construction throughout theprocess, and the successful completion is reflective of our collaborative working approach. We look forward to further developing our portfolio of works with them.”
HTC Mechanical
T: +44 (0)28 8774 7340
E: info@htcmechanical.com
www.htcmechanical.com
