Delivering a successful project - Step 1: Preparation and planning
In 2019, we’ll feature a series of four quarterly articles, in which experts from SAPCA outline the steps required to ensure a successful facility project. In the first of the series, SAPCA project manager Colin Corline explains the importance of preparation and planning
Each sports facility project begins with a great idea. It may be one borne out of a specific need, such as a governing body’s Strategic Plan, or a local authority needing to improve its facility infrastructure. Or it could be a sports club or school wanting to upgrade its facilities in order to attract more people to play sport.
Having a great idea marks the beginning of the project journey – but the first real step is to come up with a great plan.
Development of A brief Developing a facility can be a daunting prospect with so many variables to consider. Whatever the project, however, it is important to realise that the principles are the same – and that creating a strong project brief in the early stages is essential.
The project brief should encompass all elements of the project – from the specific requirements of the sporting and non-sporting facilities and the type of sports to be played, to the perceived business case and any budgetary constraints. You also need to consider local insight and the demographics that would support the project, as well as local authority, NGB or sports council backing.
When developing the project brief, it is essential that you engage with a wide range of partners to ensure the initiation document considers all the relevant elements of the project at an early stage. This is where SAPCA can help. SAPCA members construct the vast majority of sports facilities across the UK, and at this early project development stage members of SAPCA’s Professional Services Group can offer design and technical expertise on all aspects of project planning. Having specialists assist you at an early stage will help you develop a clear and comprehensive brief.
Once the document is complete, the next phase is to circulate the project brief within the wider community, in order to gauge support with the relevant bodies and to allow the conceptual idea of the brief – where applicable – to be enhanced and developed.
THE application The development of a detailed design and planning application can potentially be the most important phase of the project. Here is a useful list of things you need to consider:
• The business plan, both for the delivery of the project and for the ongoing development of the venue, should be developed at this stage. This is to ensure you consider and understand the impact of the project and how the new (or upgraded) facility will impact on the potential growth of participation and the retention of existing players.
• There will be a need to develop a cost plan for the project development, to allow budgets to be set and to allow you, if applicable, to seek partnership funding.
• In order to support the development of the cost plan, it is likely that you will need to engage design consultants to produce drawings and get the development through the required site surveys.
• Engage with the local authority planning department to assess the viability of the project from a planning perspective. This may also require further assistance from consultants to aid the planning application with required reports, surveys and layout drawings.
• Undertake discussions with local residents, community groups and any other relevant interested parties to garner support for the project.
• Use SAPCA’s web-based project journey information to aid the development of the project through case studies and technical information.
• Use information from the relevant National Governing Body’s facility development website to aid the development of the project.
• Play-test any relevant products or playing surface products to aid understanding of the sporting needs and to aid the formulation of the design.
Once you have completed this process, you should have solid plans in place for the project. While the plans can be tweaked and fine-tuned at a later stage – through engagement with NGBs, consultants and contractors – following this guidance you should have plans that offer a solid base for a successful project.
For more information on SAPCA, its Technical Programme or safety at sports facilities in general, contact us at: [email protected] or 024 7641 6316 www.sapca.org.uk
SAPCA project manager Colin Corline says strong planning is key to success
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost
exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members. [more...]
Delivering a successful project - Step 1: Preparation and planning
In 2019, we’ll feature a series of four quarterly articles, in which experts from SAPCA outline the steps required to ensure a successful facility project. In the first of the series, SAPCA project manager Colin Corline explains the importance of preparation and planning
Each sports facility project begins with a great idea. It may be one borne out of a specific need, such as a governing body’s Strategic Plan, or a local authority needing to improve its facility infrastructure. Or it could be a sports club or school wanting to upgrade its facilities in order to attract more people to play sport.
Having a great idea marks the beginning of the project journey – but the first real step is to come up with a great plan.
Development of A brief Developing a facility can be a daunting prospect with so many variables to consider. Whatever the project, however, it is important to realise that the principles are the same – and that creating a strong project brief in the early stages is essential.
The project brief should encompass all elements of the project – from the specific requirements of the sporting and non-sporting facilities and the type of sports to be played, to the perceived business case and any budgetary constraints. You also need to consider local insight and the demographics that would support the project, as well as local authority, NGB or sports council backing.
When developing the project brief, it is essential that you engage with a wide range of partners to ensure the initiation document considers all the relevant elements of the project at an early stage. This is where SAPCA can help. SAPCA members construct the vast majority of sports facilities across the UK, and at this early project development stage members of SAPCA’s Professional Services Group can offer design and technical expertise on all aspects of project planning. Having specialists assist you at an early stage will help you develop a clear and comprehensive brief.
Once the document is complete, the next phase is to circulate the project brief within the wider community, in order to gauge support with the relevant bodies and to allow the conceptual idea of the brief – where applicable – to be enhanced and developed.
THE application The development of a detailed design and planning application can potentially be the most important phase of the project. Here is a useful list of things you need to consider:
• The business plan, both for the delivery of the project and for the ongoing development of the venue, should be developed at this stage. This is to ensure you consider and understand the impact of the project and how the new (or upgraded) facility will impact on the potential growth of participation and the retention of existing players.
• There will be a need to develop a cost plan for the project development, to allow budgets to be set and to allow you, if applicable, to seek partnership funding.
• In order to support the development of the cost plan, it is likely that you will need to engage design consultants to produce drawings and get the development through the required site surveys.
• Engage with the local authority planning department to assess the viability of the project from a planning perspective. This may also require further assistance from consultants to aid the planning application with required reports, surveys and layout drawings.
• Undertake discussions with local residents, community groups and any other relevant interested parties to garner support for the project.
• Use SAPCA’s web-based project journey information to aid the development of the project through case studies and technical information.
• Use information from the relevant National Governing Body’s facility development website to aid the development of the project.
• Play-test any relevant products or playing surface products to aid understanding of the sporting needs and to aid the formulation of the design.
Once you have completed this process, you should have solid plans in place for the project. While the plans can be tweaked and fine-tuned at a later stage – through engagement with NGBs, consultants and contractors – following this guidance you should have plans that offer a solid base for a successful project.
For more information on SAPCA, its Technical Programme or safety at sports facilities in general, contact us at: [email protected] or 024 7641 6316 www.sapca.org.uk
SAPCA project manager Colin Corline says strong planning is key to success
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean
muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept
designed to bring this fast growing, but rather expensive, modality into the mainstream.
The 20th State of the Industry Report reveals a resilient, expanding and competitive
sector, the
importance of differentiation and the ongoing challenge of tackling inequalities.
Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously
and is committed to meeting all legal obligations after news of a tribunal has made national
headlines.
Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first
world championship for running on connected treadmills over five kilometres.
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost
exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members. [more...]
