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WORK ON KEMP WELCH LEISURE CENTRE

Work to repair damaged pipes at Kemp Welch Leisure Centre is due to take place later this year.

In January, underground pipework carrying water for heating and showering facilities, sprang a leak under a corridor in the Centre.

Whilst repairing the leak, it was discovered that the insulation on the pipes had become saturated with water and that some sections of copper and steel pipework had corroded.

Following tests and advice from material specialists, the Council was advised that the damage was a result of corrosive substances leaching from the insulation onto the surface of the pipe. The estimated cost of the work to repair the pipes affected is £205,000.

Jim Bright, Head of Construction Related Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The pool is still working properly and there is no danger to anyone using facilities but in order to stop further damage to the centre, we need to replace the pipes affected. Because of the location of the pipes in the main corridor, people using the centre will experience some disruption when work starts later this year but we hope to keep this to a minimum."

The problem affects over 200 meters of pipework and the leak has caused some damage to fittings and furniture, which will also be repaired. Work is currently planned for late summer/early autumn and will involve the main entrance and corridor areas for approximately six weeks. To ensure areas of the centre not affected during the repairs are available for use, alternative access will be provided.

Designed by specialist consultants, the Kemp Welch Pool and Gymnastics Centre cost £4.5 million and was opened to the public in April 1998.

Cllr Graham Wilson, Chairman of the Culture and Leisure Committee, said: "We are disappointed that after only two years the services provided by this wonderful facility will be disrupted. Because of the inconvenience to local people, we owe it to them to resolve the situation as soon as possible. The building is under warranty and we are currently taking legal advice to determine who is responsible for the problem. However we need to undertake this work to protect what is a superb facility. To make sure there is minimum disruption for everyone who uses the centre, areas not affected will remain open and we hope the work will be completed as quickly as possible."

Editor’s Notes:
Users of the centre will be advised of the dates of the work and the areas affected.

The Leisure Centre was designed by Southampton based architects Saunders Architects in collaboration with other consultants Alex Sayer Ltd, BKN Associates and Anthony Ward Partnership, who were appointed by the Borough of Poole following a nationwide architectural competition.

Local building contractors W Hayward and Sons (Bournemouth) Ltd were awarded the main building contract for the facility. The company went into liquidation on 10 December 1998.

Design Team and Main Building Contractor:
Architect: W H Saunders & Sons
Main Contractor: W Hayward & Sons (Bournemouth) Ltd
Quantity Survey: Alex Sayer Ltd
Mechanical and Electrical: BKN Associates
Consulting Engineers: Anthony Ward Partnership

Costs:
Total cost of £4.5 million, funded by the Borough of Poole and a National Lottery grant of £2.481 million.

The centre has over 1/4 million vistors each year to facilities which include:
· 6-lane, 25 metre swimming pool; and
· Gymnastics Centre of Excellence and Trampolining Hall
· playzone
· fitness studio

Jim Bright, Head of Construction Related Services, tel: (01202) 262100