Gillespie Centre, Biggar

Client:
Gillespie Centre Association

Location:
Biggar

Value:
£229,000

Timescale:
12 weeks

Design Team:
Hypostyle Architects, Architects CBA, Surveyors

Challenge

Following the merger of its congregation with the nearby Biggar Kirk, the former Gillespie Church had developed a new role as a community centre.

After securing lottery funding to make the building fit for purpose, the Gillespie Centre Association tasked Pacific Building with the conversion of the church hall to a state-of-the-art community centre for the town of Biggar.

As the existing hall had been used for community-based projects, all existing services had to be temporarily relocated during conversion, so it was important that the project was completed as quickly as possible.

Approach

Working to a tight timescale, Pacific Building utilised their experience of fast-tracking projects to ensure that deadlines were met and the Centre would reopen in just 12 weeks to sustain relationships with groups and individuals using the centre.

Pacific Building also employed various value engineering methods, meaning that the budget was met without compromising the aesthetics or functionality of the building.

Works included the demolition of walls, formation of escape routes and fire doors, construction of stairwells, the development of kitchens and restaurant facilities and the addition of new toilets and disabled facilities.

To ensure that the building was fully DDA compliant, we installed disabled toilets and improved access to the Centre with wide doors, entry ramps and a lift to the upper hall.

Result

The Gillespie Centre reopened within the deadlines and is now being used by the the entire community. Since development, the centre has expanded the activities it hosts. As well as the usual clubs, classes and exhibitions, the centre boasts a busy coffee shop, crèche and IT resource centre.

The Gillespie Centre Association were delighted with the results, and the centre continues to go from strength to strength in its provision of services for the Biggar community.

The Gillespie Centre Case Study