Independent building and project consultancy Paragon has made gains in the leisure sector, after being instructed by Everyone Active on four major leisure centre projects worth £72.8m.
Paragon will advise the leisure management company, which is the trading name for Sports and Leisure Management, on leisure centres totalling 213,000 sq ft in Hornchurch, Greater London; Coalville, Leicestershire; and Alton and Whitehill & Borden in East Hampshire.
In Hornchurch, Paragon will provide project management and cost consultancy to deliver the £25m state-of-the-art Hornchurch Leisure Centre. The landmark project will see the partial demolition of the current building and construction of a new 66,000 sq ft architecturally-led facility, including multi-use sports and activity halls, eight-lane swimming pool, studios and 100-station fitness suite. Work has already begun and is scheduled for completion in 2020.
The consultancy is also advising on the £22m Coalville Leisure Centre in Leicestershire, scheduled to be completed in 2021. The 60,000 sq ft centre will comprise three distinct elements complete with pools, an eight-court sports hall, a 120-station gym and three dance studios. Surrounding land will be regenerated into a parkland leisure destination, including a trim trail with activity stations and high ropes course within the woodland.
In East Hampshire, Paragon is acting as project manager and employer’s agent on a £17.2m demolition and new-build project for the 65,500 sq ft Alton Sports Centre. It is providing the same services on the £8.6m Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre which totals 20,600 sq ft.
Duncan Jefford, regional director at Everyone Active, said: “Our aim is to create leisure centres which offer something for the entire community and encourage participation in physical activity. These new centres will create modern facilities with greater emphasis on architecture, customer experience and state-of-the-art equipment.
“Paragon is an established specialist in the leisure sector and has an excellent track record on managing new build and refurbishment projects like these. Its distinct approach and practical advice will help us achieve our vision.”
Everyone Active manages more than 170 leisure and cultural centres across the UK in partnership with more than 50 different local authorities.
Paragon director, Robert Kendall, said: “The leisure sector offers significant opportunities to private providers and local authorities, driven by consumer demand as people look to live more active lifestyles. In particular, we are seeing growing demand for privately operated centres that offer an aspirational environment for customers. We look forward to managing these four projects for Everyone Active, ensuring they are completed smoothly with costs controlled and risks minimalised.”
Paragon was founded in 2009 and is one of the largest independent consultancies in the UK with a turnover of £22m. It employs nearly 200 people across offices in London, Esher, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol.
