Making a ‘Splashpad’ in Dunstable

Client Name: Dunstable Town Council

Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Services: Planning Consultancy, Project Management, Employer’s Agent & Contract Administration

The Brief

Brasier Freeth was instructed by Dunstable Town Council to assist in the creation of a children’s splashpad within Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground, the transformation of the existing dated sports pavilion and changing rooms to provide a café with refurbished changing areas. Brasier Freeth was appointed to procure and project manage the proposed works.

The Project

The Brasier Freeth Building Surveying team began with a measured survey of the property and then worked closely with the client and specialist consultants to develop the design and specification of works for the proposed pavilion alterations. In addition to providing a café, improved toilet facilities were required and a secure plant room within the building to house any required splashpad equipment. Brasier Freeth procured competitive tenders for the alteration and refurbishment works to the building and assisted with the appointment of the building contractor under a traditional JCT Intermediate Contract.

Regarding the splashpad play area, Brasier Freeth invited specialist contractors to prepare detailed designs based upon a fixed budget for presentation to the client. Brasier Freeth, assisted in the selection and appointment of the splashpad contractor under a separate JCT Design & Build Contract.

Brasier Freeth obtained Local Authority Planning Approval and worked with an approved inspector to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Works commenced on site with Brasier Freeth acting as Contract Administrator for the works to the pavilion and as Employer’s Agent for the splashpad. Brasier Freeth managed the contracts simultaneously ensuring the contractors worked as a team to achieve completion of the project on time and budget.

The Result

The Brasier Freeth team successfully managed the project ensuring the works were undertaken to a high standard, in accordance with the client’s brief and completed within the programme ready for the school holidays. “Bennett’s Splash” and “Splashside Café” are a welcome addition to the park and have been hugely popular with the local children and families.