West Lancashire Youth Zone

The project consisted of the new build two-storey, state-of-the-art youth facility, part of the wider regeneration within Skelmersdale town centre. Warden Construction was appointed as the main contractor under a partnership arrangement during the design concept stage.

The youth zone facility accommodates a café bar, meeting rooms, classroom facilities, office spaces and break out areas. It also includes an arts and crafts studio and incorporates a fully equipped dance studio with attached multi-media room with associated audio-visual equipment.

The youth centre was constructed from multiple materials including curtain walling to one elevation, and blockwork and render to two elevations. The first-floor dance studio features a Lumaglass window to give natural light during daylight and soft blue illumination in the evening.

The centre includes disabled facilities on both floors, with a shower room, wet changing area and lift. External features include a paved recreational area with feature seating covered by a large Brise Soleil, a multi-use games area, associated pathways and landscaping with mixed planting.

The contract required good communication with the neighbouring properties to minimise potential disruption. Deliveries were scheduled for times when they would cause the least disruption, while local roads were regularly cleaned, and contractor parking was only permitted on site. The work was completed on programme, within budget and with minimal disruption.