The purpose of this project is to prevent the demolition of the former Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre and repurpose it into a valuable community resource. This will provide targeted provision for local groups such as toddlers, parents, youth and seniors by facilitating relevant services. This will be supported with a strong, income generating business plan which utilises the buildings spaces for lets, functions and office/studio spaces.
Layout and Targets
Appraisal and Phasing Stage
An architectural survey and appraisal of the existing building conducted for the Trust has assessed the potential uses of the existing spaces and grouped them into three categories. These are:
An architectural survey and appraisal of the existing building conducted for the Trust has assessed the potential uses of the existing spaces and grouped them into three categories. These are:
- The areas available to generate income immediately,
- Those requiring alteration before generating income, and
- Necessary ancillary spaces that cannot generate income.
Whilst realising this additional capacity would maximise income, attempting to do so immediately would delay operation of any part of the building, thereby delaying the income generation of the spaces already available. A more sustainable strategy is to begin operation of these spaces immediately and benefit from their income generation. Additional investment can then be made at a more economically appropriate point in the growth path of the business.
The consultation process to date has indicated that many of the uses desired by the community do not require specialised facilities. The feasibility of accommodating these within the currently available spaces has therefore been assessed and uses grouped according to their spatial requirements. It has been determined that, through appropriate timetabling, the resulting income generation is sufficient to enable the building to operate effectively prior to making any alterations.
Phase 1 of the Trust’s proposals is therefore based on using the current income generating spaces to the maximum before making any significant alterations to the building. The second phase will be generated by an on-going process of engagement with local people to determine the additional uses best suited to optimise the building’s potential. Additional investment will be made following an evaluation of the additional resources required for alterations, with regard to the additional social benefit and income generation, ensuring the business model remains sustainable. Phase 2 will more than double the productive income generating space. This table details this shift.
The consultation process to date has indicated that many of the uses desired by the community do not require specialised facilities. The feasibility of accommodating these within the currently available spaces has therefore been assessed and uses grouped according to their spatial requirements. It has been determined that, through appropriate timetabling, the resulting income generation is sufficient to enable the building to operate effectively prior to making any alterations.
Phase 1 of the Trust’s proposals is therefore based on using the current income generating spaces to the maximum before making any significant alterations to the building. The second phase will be generated by an on-going process of engagement with local people to determine the additional uses best suited to optimise the building’s potential. Additional investment will be made following an evaluation of the additional resources required for alterations, with regard to the additional social benefit and income generation, ensuring the business model remains sustainable. Phase 2 will more than double the productive income generating space. This table details this shift.
The first phase will provide the infrastructure to bring community groups together in one hub and operate collaboratively. To this end, complementary uses have been grouped into the main areas of the building, under the headings below.
In addition to the space usage outlined above, a central part of the Trust’s proposals is to restart the children’s parties the centre was previously renowned for. The proposals for all of these are detailed in subsequent sections, followed by an outline of a provisional plan for the second phase and how this would be developed through on-going community engagement.
We have worked closely with Fields in Trust, the overseers of the sites restrictions, who have indicated they would approve of these suggested reuses on the basis that the site was transferred into community control. They have also confirmed that they would be positive about transferring ownership into community control.
In addition to the space usage outlined above, a central part of the Trust’s proposals is to restart the children’s parties the centre was previously renowned for. The proposals for all of these are detailed in subsequent sections, followed by an outline of a provisional plan for the second phase and how this would be developed through on-going community engagement.
We have worked closely with Fields in Trust, the overseers of the sites restrictions, who have indicated they would approve of these suggested reuses on the basis that the site was transferred into community control. They have also confirmed that they would be positive about transferring ownership into community control.
What we will do next:
- Secure Phase 1 Funding (March-April 14)
- Open the building (May 14)
- Consult for Phase 2 development. (2014)
- Access funding sources to support Phase 2 development. (2015)
- Implement Phase 2 (2015)
- Review the business plan. (2016)