Case Study — Sport & Leisure Stone Leisure Centre, Staffordshire
Lead Cost Manager and Employer’s Agent for Stafford Borough Council on a £9.6m new build leisure centre in Stone, delivered under NEC3 Option A through a two-stage design and build tender.
The challenge
A new leisure centre for the town of Stone
Stafford Borough Council invested in a new leisure centre for the town of Stone, with a 25m, six-lane swimming pool, an 80-station gym and fitness studios. The scheme also included demolition of existing buildings, external works, parking and new utilities.
Ollie led the cost management from inception, including all pre-contract work through RIBA Stages 0 to 4, then supported the council through construction as Employer’s Agent. The project was procured through a two-stage design and build tender under NEC3 ECC Option A with client amendments, with a 12-month construction programme.
Delivered by Ollie Thompson MRICS in a previous role at Mace.
Project facts
At a glance
Lead cost management from inception to completion, including pre-contract services through RIBA Stages 0–4, and Employer’s Agent services under NEC3 ECC Option A with client amendments.
Client
Stafford Borough Council
Location
Stone, Staffordshire
Value
£9.6m
Our role
Lead Cost Manager and Employer’s Agent
RIBA stages
0–4 pre-contract, through to completion
Facilities
25m six-lane pool, 80-station gym and fitness studios
Contract
NEC3 ECC Option A with client amendments, via a two-stage design and build tender
Programme
12-month construction programme
Project team
Willmott Dixon (contractor), Roberts Limbrick (architect)
Our approach
Cost control from inception to completion
Brief & Budget
Early cost advice helped the council set a realistic budget for the new centre, demolition, external works and utilities.
Cost Planning
Cost plans tracked the design through RIBA Stages 0 to 4, keeping the scheme within budget as it developed.
Two-Stage Tender
Early contractor involvement at first stage, followed by a second-stage price developed and tested package by package.
Contract Set-up
Preparation of the NEC3 ECC Option A contract with client amendments, including review of the activity schedule.
Employer’s Agent
Supporting the council through construction, with assessment of payments and compensation events.
Completion
Commercial support through to completion and handover of the new leisure centre.
The outcome
A modern leisure centre for Stone
New leisure centre
A modern leisure centre for the town, with pool, gym and studios.
Six-lane pool
A 25m, six-lane swimming pool at the heart of the new centre.
Month programme
Demolition, new build, external works and utilities within a 12-month construction programme.
Read more about NEC pricing options in our guide, NEC Option A vs Option C, or see our Cost & Commercial Management services.
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