Description:

The works comprised the construction of the new building on the existing rock armour foreshore with foundations below high tide level. The foreshore has a covering of rock armouring comprising large boulders and deep crevices making access both difficult and hazardous.
The site is adjacent to the Promenade and Stone Jetty both of which carry heavy pedestrian traffic. The slipway to the side of the site is used for small craft. The promenade and slipway had to be left open to public and vehicular access throughout the contract period.

The substructure consisted of a box raft formation, which allow the sea to flow in and out under the building and retaining walls. The substructures were constructed to suit tidal conditions. For example any concrete pour which had any part below anticipated high tide level, had to be commenced at the time of low tide. Compaction of the formation level, i.e. the excavated surface of the existing rock armour and compaction of the DoT sub-base layer, had to be carried out when the tide level was at least one metre below the surfaces being compacted. Excavated rock armour materials were used to backfill underneath hardstandings.

The superstructure is based around a double curved triangular steel frame design, natural stonework external walls and part specialist render and timber cladding, hardwood timber windows and doors, computer designed GRP soffits and guttering and attractive curved mechanically zipped aluminium standing seam roof. Materials were specified in order to suit the marine environment, to minimise future maintenance requirements and enhance the building’s long term prospects. The works also included a new external hardstanding, drainage including a rainwater harvesting tank for washing down the hovercraft when it returns from call outs, and incoming main service supplies. Further sustainable construction solutions included were lighting controls and sensors. The internal ground floor area consists of a front display and retail area, the hovercraft boat room, workshop and store, crew changing and drying facilities and toilets. The upper floor consists of a new training and meeting room, services room and storage and kitchen area.

This building won the Highly Commended Award in the category for Community Benefit at the RICS 2010 North West Awards.