Background
The new Crosby Leisure Centre sits on a prominent site facing the Mersey estuary at the entrance to Liverpool Bay. The site forms part of a wide arc of sand of major ecological importance in a European context and embraces the southern conurbations of Bootle, Seaforth, Waterloo and Crosby.
The client was Waterfront Leisure (Crosby) Limited, whose parent company Glendale operate the centre on behalf of Waterfront Leisure (Crosby) Limited in association with Sefton Borough Council.
Project
Because the site sits within a tidal location, Seddon had to de-water the site and construct closed trench sheet piling during the construction process.
Seddon adhered to the Considerate Contractor Scheme, and were assessed by an independent evaluator. This involved the business keeping the site tidy and liaising with local tenants if any work was to occur out of hours.
Seddon also undertook a unique recycling scheme, working closely with the local ranger service. Sand that had been dug out whilst constructing trenches was put back onto the local beach to counteract erosion. Seddon also worked with Building and Engineering students from nearby Hugh Baird College, talking them through the project as it progressed, and employing some on a work experience basis.
In terms of design, the requirement was for a statement building to be constructed on a very visible site at the entrance to the Mersey estuary. It also had to address the environmental issues associated with the location and because of the exposed nature of the site had to work with the prevailing weather conditions which had a fundamental effect on the overall design. The extensive sloping roofs are ergonomically designed to prevent the build up of wind blown sand. The curvature of the car park at the front of the centre architecturally extends the building and also increases the green space between the car park, sand dunes and promenade.
Endorsement
"The local and national comments about the design of the building have been very complimentary, and many people have even said that the building deserves the designation of the "4th Grace". As the other three Graces are the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the former offices of the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board, this is the highest compliment that any building on the Liverpool waterfront can achieve."
Lenn Nuttall, Waterfront Director