The University of East London is a diverse learning community with campuses in Lambeth and the docklands.

Johns Slater and Haward were initially engaged to prepare a report on Renewable Energy Sources (with special attention to solar pv and biomass boiler plant) for the University’s new purpose built Sports and Leisure facility. The report was prepared to ensure that the sustainability requirements for the London Borough of Newham could be achieved. Following on from the completion of the report the Practice was asked to assist in the preparation of Tender Documentation by providing Performance Specifications and selected Outline Design Drawings in order to clarify the Project Room Data Sheets and key aspects of the Mechanical and Electrical Services installations.

The Project was designed to achieve a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’

Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre is a purpose build sports facility, which is owned and operated by Chelmsford Borough Council.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment project started in 1997, when Chelmsford Borough Council started work on replacing the previous track, which had stood since 1934. It was completed in April 1999 and included a floodlit synthetic 8 lane athletics track and full field event facilities; new access road, entrance and extended car park; and three outdoor multi-use games areas.

Phase 2 of the project, with the assistance of £2.2m Sport England Lottery Funding, saw the opening of an indoor athletics training centre and a 270 seat stand overlooking track & field facilities. Officially opened in September 2002, the facilities also included a community sports hall, fitness suite and an activity room.

Phase 3 improved the facilities even further with the Council investing in a 1,000-seat covered spectators stand, toilets, turnstiles, ancillary facilities and a new pitch inside the perimeter of the athletics track. Completed in January 2006, these enabled the Centre to host major athletics events and allowed it to become the home of Chelmsford City Football Club, which had been playing outside the borough for the previous eight years. The Club met the costs of changing and social facilities within a new clubhouse.

Johns Slater and Haward were responsible for designing and overseeing the installation of the Electrical Services works which included the Electrical Distribution, Electrical Power, Lighting, Emergency Lighting, Fire Alarm and Detection systems, Nurse Call systems, Intercom system, Telephone and Data/IT systems.

The salient points of the Mechanical and Electrical design solution is as follows:

• High efficiency gas radiant heating to the main training areas;
• Specialised lighting to comply with Sports Council requirements; and
• Automatic lighting controls via mimic panel

The project was procured on the basis of a single stage tender and Barnes Construction of Ipswich were appointed as the Main Contractor.