Sussex Downs College

 
Location:Eastbourne Campus, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, UK
 
Building Series:TITAN® S4 Low Slope
 
Building Size:131' w x 160' l (39.9m x 48.7m)
 
Application:Sports & Recreation Center – 3 court tennis building with link to existing building
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The Need

Eastbourne Sports Park Tennis Center, a joint venture between Sussex Downs College and Eastbourne Borough Council, had a primary aim to provide an affordable indoor sports and recreation facility for the community as well as accommodate the Sussex Downs College curriculum and students. In 2003, David Williams, Sports and Recreation Manager at the college, was given the task to make available such a facility. One issue the college was facing was they were having to outsource to other sports hall facilities in order to deliver their curriculum, which made it difficult to schedule and cumbersome for students. When considering buildings, the college took into account size, flexibility, running costs and overall budget. They wanted to be able to accommodate as much activity space as possible and be able to customize the structure to suit their needs, in an economical fashion. Preventing damage and providing security to the structure were also requirements of the build, as the site is open to students and the general public every day of the week.

The Solution

The primary use of the facility was for indoor tennis courts, but providing space for additional sports would create supplementary revenue from evening community use. "With the design of the structure, the reason [we] went for Summit in the first place, was it gave us a great deal of flexibility - we could have it any way that we wanted - with the shape or size, and exterior or interior. It also allowed us to add additional facilities," Dave Williams said. Summit Structures met their flexibility and cost needs by constructing a 131' w x 160' l (40m x 49m) TITAN® S4 Low Slope Building with profiled steel cladding to 10’ H (3m). By offering translucent white fabric and steel cladding base, the college was able to minimize the use of artificial lighting therefore reducing operating costs, as well as ensuring security for the facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "Even on a cloudy day, we haven’t got any lights on in the facility, which means there is a reduction on the running costs…which is an essential part of our business."

The Project

Construction on the facility commenced in December 2006, when severe weather struck, producing gale force winds and torrential rain, battering the site. Nevertheless, Summit persevered against the elements and completed the external works on schedule. Specialized flooring was laid and following the curing period, the sports hall was ready for use by May 2007. The facility was officially opened by Great Britain’s Tennis Federation Cup captain Nigel Sears on October 5th 2007. The 131' w x 160' l (40m x 49m) facility now houses 2 indoor basketball courts, 2 indoor net ball courts, 3 volleyball courts, and 3 tennis courts. The new facility has enabled the college to deliver everything onsite, "which makes for smoother running of the curriculum." It provided exactly what Sussex Downs College was looking for, including; steel cladding walls for 24hr security, natural lighting to reduce operating costs, clear-span design allowing for additional recreation areas without obstruction, acrylic playing surface with dehumidification system to eliminate condensation issues, and a grand, unique structure that draws students to the school. "The new facility has been fantastic for the students. They are really impressed with how it works, how it operates, and their ability to gain access to the facility. So from a student perspective it has been a real winner. Not only that, but prospective students and their parents came in and were amazed by the size of the facility and how it was lit up in the evenings, and are looking forward to coming to the college as a result of the facility."

Customer Feedback

"I would recommend Summit Structures as a company to deal with. I found them to be very easy to work with, very approachable and very helpful. I have no hesitation in recommending Summit Structures to any potential client looking for a similar structure. In fact I have another colleague at the local college that is going to use them in the future for one of their facilities." - David Williams, Sussex Downs College, Sports & Recreation Manager.

"Without the Harlow legacy, this wonderful Centre, which is already being used and enjoyed by college staff, students and the local community would not have been built. So I wish to record our immense gratitude to the Harlow family for the bequest to Sussex Downs College." - John Blake, Sussex Downs College, Principal

We Believe in Our Buildings

Summit™ Structures' buildings are the proven solution for a multitude of sports and recreation facilities with a full product line available in widths up to 300 feet and constructed to any length. Summit’s high-performance fabric membranes are virtually maintenance free, while the corrosion-protected steel frame will last 270% longer than standard galvanized steel. Summit™ Structures buildings can be installed in a mere weeks with design, construction and project management services available. Summit™ Structures' buildings, backed by a comprehensive warranty, are produced at an ISO 9001:2000 certified facility. The 150,000 square foot facility is an industry benchmark using the most innovative systems and machinery, including being established inside 2 TITAN® buildings (the product Summit Structures is renowned for). Summit Structures believes in excellence in every aspect of business and promotes an entrepreneurial spirit making excellence achievable.

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