Phased redevelopment to enhance changing, reception, and café
Architectural Services
Ensigna engaged A3Architecture London Ltd for architectural services, with their primary focus being the design and management of the new-build plant room. This plant room replaces the existing one, which was carefully demolished by Ensigna as part of the refurbishment. The architectural scope also included working with heritage aspects of the Lido and ensuring all designs adhered to planning and conservation regulations.
Structural and Civil Engineering
We employed Clancy Consulting Ltd to provide structural and civil engineering services for the project. Their responsibilities included the structural design of the new plant room, ensuring its stability and longevity. They also designed the temporary works required around the pool, allowing for safe and effective execution of construction tasks while keeping the pool intact. Additionally, Clancy was responsible for the civil engineering design of the drainage systems, ensuring that all new water infrastructure met modern standards and enhanced the facility’s functionality.
Mechanical and Electrical Works
The M&E component formed a significant part of the project, accounting for approximately £2.8 million of the total cost. This included a complete electrical rewire of the Lido, with new incoming electrical supplies directed to the newly built substation. New water supplies were also brought into the Lido, with MDPE pipes running around the perimeter to provide services to the café, office, pavilion, and pump house. The installation of these new services modernised the infrastructure, making the Lido more efficient and capable of handling future demands.
Specialist Filtration System
A specialist filtration system was installed as part of the Lido refurbishment. Barr and Wray, a renowned filtration subcontractor, undertook this work. This package alone was valued at £1 million and involved the design, supply, and installation of a state-of-the-art system to maintain the water quality at the Lido, ensuring it meets the highest health and safety standards.
Traffic Management and Logistics
Given the sensitive location of the Lido, situated within a Common used by the general public, careful traffic management was essential throughout the project. The site was frequented by dog walkers, joggers, and other visitors, requiring close coordination to minimise disruption and ensure public safety. Additionally, Tooting Bec Road, a major ring road into London, posed logistical challenges. Our site entrance was located on a red route, necessitating strict coordination for deliveries and minimising traffic disruption. Ensigna ensured that all vehicle movements, including large deliveries of materials and plant equipment, were carefully managed and scheduled to prevent any impact on local traffic.
Building Works
In addition to the plant room and infrastructure improvements, a significant portion of the works involved general building work. This included new paving around the Lido, brickwork repairs and construction, roofing works on the buildings surrounding the pool, and the installation of new doors and windows to modernise the facilities. An internal fit-out was also conducted in key areas, including the café, office, and pavilion, ensuring the Lido meets contemporary standards while maintaining its heritage character.
Ensigna Construction, supported by our specialist consultants and subcontractors, coordinated all aspects of this challenging project. The works were carried out with meticulous attention to public safety, logistical planning, and quality control, delivering a modernised facility that meets both current and future operational needs.
“Ensigna was appointed by Wandsworth Borough Council as their design and build contractor to undertake a major refurbishment programme for Tooting Bec Lido which is the largest cold-water Lido in the UK. This was a complex and unique project on a confined site which entailed demolishing the old pump house and replacing it with a new building with a state-of-the-art pump and filtration system.
In addition, works included new pipework to the pool, installing a new pool liner, new paving around the pool, drainage, refurbishment of changing cubicles and electrical upgrades throughout together with a new substation. Ensigna managed the process extremely well liaising with the specialist filtration company, UKPN, Thames Water, Southern Gas and their own sub-contractors and supply chain.
The project completed in 12 months despite many hurdles along the way. The Site manager was always extremely helpful and explained what was happening and why at different stages. The entire Ensigna management team involved in this project were very proactive and when unknown site issues were uncovered, they always were proactive in their approach and provided solutions to help ensure the works remained on budget and programme.
It was refreshing to work with a contractor where the project team were professional, well organised and had years of construction knowledge and experience and worked in partnership. We thank Ensigna for providing Wandsworth Council with a Lido that is now future proofed for years to come, to be enjoyed by many!”
Contact
Address
Head Office
37-39b Freelands Road,
Bromley,
Kent,
BR1 3HZ
1st floor,
157 High Street,
Ongar,
CM5 9JD
Unit 1B, Cliffe Yard,
Anthonys Way,
Medway City Estate,
Rochester, Kent,
ME2 4DY
