Magnificent rebirth for Phoenix Pool
The stunning transformation of Great Yarmouth’s Phoenix Pool will provide a wealth of impressive new facilities, including a leisure centre with state-of-the-art health and fitness suite, a new dance studio, a comprehensively refurbished pool hall and a new thermal spa.
The project, in Bradwell, is being carried out for Great Yarmouth Borough Council, working with operator Sentinel Leisure Trust and strategic leisure partner Pulse.
Pulse Design & Build – the dedicated construction division of the Pulse group of companies – is responsible for all building work. Project architects are Good & Tillotson.
The works include the construction of a new two-storey extension to house a 60-station Pulse Fitness suite and dance studio; the provision of a new main entrance, reception and link corridor and the construction of a new single storey extension to house a thermal suite complete with steam room, sauna and feature shower.
The extensions are generally steel framed, with external elevations in brickwork, render and cladding.
Further works include full internal remodelling, alterations and the complete refurbishment of the pool hall and all changing areas, as well as the provision of improved spectator seating.
Now that building work is complete, Pulse’s equipment arm – Pulse Fitness – is creating an impressive fitness space with a spacious layout, sleek new equipment, and the latest technology.
The fitness suite will include Pulse’s top-of-the-range Series 3 Fusion Cardio line, as well as resistance and functional training kit.
Challenges overcome by the contract team include restricted site access and working on a tight site within a residential area.
External works include the formation of a new disabled access ramp and the refurbishment of the car park.
Aron Nassim, director of projects for Pulse, said: “As leisure development partner, we are delighted to be supporting Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Sentinel Leisure Trust with this project. We are confident that we will deliver a modern, sustainable facility accessible by all – on time and within budget.”
Stuart Everett, managing director of Sentinel Leisure Trust, said: “We are proud to be involved in this scheme, assisting the council and its partner to redevelop the site into a state-of-the-art community health and fitness facility for all. We look forward to welcoming the community through the new doors of Phoenix Pool and Gym this summer.”
Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the Chairman of the Joint Partnership Board said: “This investment underlines the borough council’s ongoing commitment to improving and modernising sports and leisure facilities, promoting and enhancing the health and fitness activities and opportunities available locally.”
Cllr Penny Carpenter, the chair of the housing and neighbourhoods committee, and deputy council leader, said: “In the coming weeks, I look forward to the facility opening its doors again and I expect that the improvements will further increase its popularity and usage by everyone, including families.”
Cllr Carl Smith, the chair of the environment committee, said: “This investment, supported by a business plan, reflects the borough council’s ongoing commitment to improving and modernising sports and leisure facilities, promoting and enhancing the health and fitness activities and opportunities available locally.
“Work has progressed very well since winter, and the exciting 21st century transformation is very noticeable, even from the outside, as a result of the new external cladding and the extension for the health and fitness suite.”
The project, which began in January, is currently making good progress and is due for completion in August 2016.
