Carrickfergus Leisure Centre

The refurbishment of Carrickfergus Leisure Centre included alterations to the existing reinforced concrete-framed building and a new four storey extension at the front of the building as well as a new entrance bridge from the existing car park.

The new extension comprises a steel frame with extensive glazed areas and is supported by piled foundations. Precast concrete units make up the ground floor whilst the floors above are constructed from composite steel decking with concrete topping. The steel floor beams are designed to act compositely with the slab to produce a lighter and more efficient structure. The extension is structurally independent and achieves its stability by braced steel frames located within the solid walls of the façade, however movement is accommodated by careful design of connections to the existing structure.

Taylor & Boyd carried out a concrete condition survey and determined that the swimming pools did not need to be replaced. A programme of concrete repairs was initiated instead to reinstate the integrity of the structures.

Structural alterations and strengthening works within the centre were required to allow the installation of a Jacuzzi, 2 lifts and a number of Air Handling Units (AHU’s). The lifts allowed the centre to become DDA compliant whilst the AHU’s were part of a major upgrade of the M&E services. Some of the new AHU’s were located in a central part of the roof which had to be strengthened but we were able to glean some space at the top of the front extension to store some AHU’s without the need for further footage.

As well as a new entrance area, the new scheme provides an adventure play area, community hall/ function room, resistance & cardiovascular fitness suites and a cafeteria.

Click to expand the photos below