Friday 29 March 2024 | leisure-kit.net: The search engine for leisure buyers

19 Apr 2017

Crown lockers add 'degree of difference' at UWE Centre for Sport

Supplier: Crown Sports Lockers

More Crown Sports Lockers details
See us at The Academies Show, Excel, on 26 April, to learn how Crown can meet your requirements.

When the University of the West of England’s (UWE) Centre for Sport decided to upgrade its changing areas, it wanted the same type of provision – but with a difference.

The existing lockers had been fitted when the centre opened a decade ago and were showing their age. Doors were missing and sharp edges were starting to cause health and safety issues.

“We wanted a new feel and a new floor but with the same kind of provision,” explains Laurence Gully, who came into the post as the centre’s operations manager for estates and facilities 15 months ago.

As the largest education provider in the South-west of England, UWE attracts a large student contingent – 10,000 alone at its Frenchay Campus, north of Bristol, more than 4,000 of whom live in accommodation there.

Still only 30, Laurence knows the demands that such a large site can place on the operations function. “I’d managed a large facility before so had experience of how something as extensive as Frenchay Campus works,” he says.

The Centre for Sport hosts hockey, squash and a number of indoor sports in a leading edge double sports hall. A large number of the 50 student sports teams use the facilities for training and competition, while the centre also runs a state-of-the-art members gym and a strength and conditioning hub.

“As well as the outdoor use, there are some 3,000 students, lots of staff and corporate and community members who come to the gym, so our changing rooms are rammed,” adds Laurence.

The locker specification process began two years ago under a larger branding plan for the facility that embraced a refreshed colour palette and identified different areas for upgrades.

Anxious to ensure the new provision met member needs and expectations, Laurence sourced feedback from the last user survey then canvassed a cross-section of customers for their preferences.

He approached a spread of suppliers for quotes, but bespoke furniture manufacturer Crown Sports Lockers was the standout choice.

“We asked for the same look as before, and so other suppliers produced plans for more of the same. Only Crown offered a different take on things. Their project manager, Spencer Grimwood, thought outside the box to create more floor space and ease circulation around the rooms.”

“We picked up the red and black theme of the University logo in the lockers, and on paper I wondered if the plans were right,” Laurence admits, “but once in place, it all worked really well.”

The scheme was confirmed a year ago but Crown “was already thinking ahead”, says Laurence. “We preferred traditional pound coin locking rather than digital, so they ensured that all the lockers took the new pound coin as well as the old one. That proved really helpful as we do not have to worry about converting the locks when the old coins cease to be legal tender.

“Also, people tend to leave things in their locker for some time while they use the Astroturf or other indoor facilities and it gives them peace of mind to know they have their locker key with them.”

Crown fitted a total of 45 two-tier lockers in both male and female changing rooms. Solid oak timber slat seating mounted on stainless steel legs complete a finely appointed and finished fitout, along with hardwearing non-slip vinyl flooring.

“The lockers are sizeable enough to hang clothes,” reveals Laurence. “Many members use the gym before work so they have to store suits, shirts and so on - although we decided against shelving as valuables such as mobile phones as these tend to stay with the individual.”

Installation of the lockers took up just 10 days of the overall six-week project to renew all the changing areas. “Crown’s installation team had the product in and out very quickly, arriving early and working late to complete everything ahead of schedule,” says Laurence. “They certainly knew what they were doing.”

Laurence’s top tip
“Aim for the best specification you can within your budget because you want the provision to last and customers will notice the difference in quality.”


Supplier: Crown Sports Lockers
Paignton Devon UK
The specialist designer, manufacturer and installer of wooden lockers and changing room furniture for spas, hotels, health & fitness facilities, leisure centres, football and golf and other sports clubs.
Web: bit.ly/2MSh4WQ

Click here to visit Crown Sports Lockers's leisure-kit listing


Connect with
leisure-kit.net
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

Find the right products and services for your company
News search
 
Advertise your products
on the leisure-kit Product Report
And reach over 57,000 leisure buyers

Call
+44 (0)1462 431385
 
Interview

Sioux-per foods

The Sioux Chef, Sean Sherman, is on a mission to revive indigenous cuisine
View feature>>
Catalogue gallery
 
Company profile
 
Seed To Skin

Founded by Jeanette Thottrup in 2018, in Tuscany, Seed to Skin is an award winning skincare line.
View full profile>>
 

To advertise your product and reach over 57,000 leisure buyers call
+44 (0)1462 431385 or email [email protected]
Leisure jobs
Powered by
leisureopportunities.com
Contract Customer Services Manager
Salary: £27,500 - £28,500pa
Location:Horfield, Bristol, UK
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Swim Teacher
Salary: Competitive
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard (NPLQ required)
Salary: 9.50 ph
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Team Leader
Salary: Competitive salary, excellent benefits
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
 
Leisure news
Powered by
leisureopportunities.com
28 Mar 2024
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science

A new urban city centre in Gothenburg, Sweden is in development with the aim of accelerating health innovation.
More>>
28 Mar 2024
4Global and UK Active launch private sector health club benchmarking

The first annual Private Sector Benchmarking report was released today (27 March). A collaboration between UK Active and 4Global, the aim of the research is to provide accurate insight into the state of UK-based private sector health clubs.
More>>
 
Diary dates
Powered by
leisurediary.com
08-09 Apr 2024
Medical Wellness Congress

St. Martins Spa & Lodge Frauenkirchen
Austria
More>>
11-14 Apr 2024
FIBO Global Fitness

Exhibition Centre Cologne
Germany
More>>
14-15 Apr 2024
Natural & Organic Products Europe

ExCel London
United Kingdom
More>>
 
Property & tenders
Powered by
leisureproperty.com
30 acres at Clays Lane, Debden Green, Loughton
Location: Loughton, IG10
Company:Knight Frank
More>>
Tender: retail units at The Engine Yard, Belvoir Castle
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company:Belvoir Castle
More>>
To Let – Potterne Park Sports Ground
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company:AVISON YOUNG
More>>

 
To advertise your product and
reach over 57,000 leisure buyers
call
+44 (0)1462 431385

Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd