Pentre Awel: Wellness and Life Science in Llanelli, Wales
Pentre Awel: Wellness and Life Science in Llanelli, Wales
Buckingham Pools embark on a multi-million-pound development with Bouygues UK, the main contractor behind Pentre Awel, which will co-locate leisure, health, research, businesses and education in Llanelli, Wales. As part of the local council’s ambition to bring together life science and community healthcare, we are delighted to be awarded a comprehensive Design and Build contract for state-of-the-art wet leisure facilities to be delivered within Phase 1 of the scheme. Complimented by our core commitment to embedding technical excellence and longevity from inception, we expect to meet the rigorous standards specified for enhancing independence and assisted living.
This largest-ever 83-acre regeneration project in South-West Wales will see a 25m x 17m swimming pool, a 17m x 10m learner pool and a 10m x 8m hydrotherapy pool for use by NHS patients, all with the aim of promoting physical and mental wellbeing. Our design team are determined to produce detailed drawings in readiness for the exact installation of all facilities. In addition, the package consists of precision pool filtration schematics and 3D plant room drawings. We anticipate designing and coordinating specialist features, including a high-performing Colorado Timing System to facilitate swimming competitions and state-of-the-art Pool Pod lifts allowing disabled access. For bathers’ safety, the specification further comprises advanced microbiological water testing to maintain correct pH and chlorine levels throughout all pools. Consequently, this distinguished leisure centre, with stunning coastal views around south Llanelli, will offer recreation and rehabilitation for all ages and abilities.
Our CAD Design Manager explains that efficient time management posed a significant challenge during the design development. “We encountered tight time constraints, necessitating the delivery of drawings within a predefined weekly schedule, progressing from initial section drawings to the ultimate design. By dedicating full attention to this project, I successfully generated comprehensive drawings encompassing every intricate detail, from the main pool to the hydrotherapy pool, including all associated pipework. Another notable challenge arose from disparities in our coordinates compared to the client’s, resulting in a misalignment within the model. Nevertheless, we resolved this issue effectively through collaborative efforts with the main contractor.”
A strategic modification to the initial design ultimately proved highly advantageous. The original plan called for all three pump sets in the basement corridor to serve the main and learner pools. However, a decision was reached to relocate the pump set designated for the hydrotherapy pool into the primary plant room at ground level. Consequently, the change required reconfiguring the pool plant room and rerouting the pipework to the central plant room. This significant alteration enhances the facility’s efficiency and functionality and showcases a forward-thinking approach to pool infrastructure.
Our Design Lead, Richard Troman, says: “During the extensive design period, we have worked closely with not just Bouygues UK but the wider design team of consultants. Regular design and consultation meetings have led to great collaboration with the client’s representatives. Although the design package encountered complications and revisions, it is now fully issued, including 3D models in Revit format for the project design team to incorporate in their federated models of the whole complex”.
Pentre Awel will provide a range of community services, employment and training opportunities and is expected to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years. At Buckingham Pools, we take pride in being included in this first development of its scope and size in Wales, providing world-class research and healthcare delivery.
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