The development includes 330 new homes in Fair Oak, Eastleigh, which are being brought forward by Bloor Homes in partnership with Linden Homes. The scheme also includes more than 100 affordable homes, which have been built by social housing provider Stonewater.
The community centre is located at the heart of the scheme, providing a central hub for the new homes.
Working with architects Kendall Kingscott, our brief was to design and construct the building, which also had to meet the requirements of the parish council.
Our work included developing the structural, mechanical and electrical design. We also completed a soil and geotechnical survey to determine how the foundations would be designed.
The community centre has been designed to complement the architecture of the surrounding properties, so was constructed using traditional brickwork and interlocking clay roof tiles.
One of the biggest challenges was the short timescales, with construction having to be completed within just 10 months. This required very stringent programming and the sourcing of roof tiles from abroad due to the shortage in the UK.
A valuable asset for the local community, the new centre comprises both a 20m x 15m and a 15m x 10m hall providing space for sports and other activities. The centre also offers space for a nursery group and a large car parking area.
Following the success of this project, LST has been appointed by Bovis, Linden and Bloor Homes to construct a community centre as part of another large residential scheme also in Eastleigh.
“LST was involved in this project from the early design stages. Their technical expertise, professionalism and project management skills ensured both the design and construction of this important facility was completed on time and within our budget.”