Christchurch Children's Centre
A children's centre for Christchurch and the surrounding area was completed in March 2011.
The design team and main constructor
The project and background
Christchurch and the surrounding area is part of the SureStart phase three programme for the provision of children's centres throughout the county.
A two storey property in High Street, Christchurch, was purchased and converted to form the children's centre. This involved internal alterations together with external repairs and redecoration.
The property is grade 2 listed and alterations were subject to listed building consent. Work was carried out in liaison with the Historic Buildings Officer and all materials used were in keeping with the existing building.
The centre's accommodation will provides:
An open meeting area for small groups or training sessions
A reception area
Improved toilet facilities including an accessible toilet
A kitchen
Office accommodation on the first floor
A small outdoor secure play area
The building meets accessibility requirements. The ground floor is on one level and all doorways are of adequate width and have flush thresholds. Access to the main entrance is via a new ramp which was created by lifting the existing paving slabs and relaying them to form the ramp.
The project commenced on site in October 2010 and was completed in early March 2011.
The design team and main constructor
The project at Christchurch Children's Centre was procured and project managed by Dorset Property. The design team and main constructor were as follows:
Client: The Asset Management Group for Cabinet, represented by the Director of Children's Services
Project manager: Dorset Property
Architect: Dorset Property
Cost consultant: Gleeds
Mechanical engineer: EDP Ltd
Electrical engineer: EDP Ltd
Structural engineer: Dorset Property
Construction, design and management (CDM) co-ordinator: DBK Group
Clerk of works: Dorset Property
Main constructor: Spetisbury Construction Ltd
