Refurbishment of the Former Penhill Bowls Club
Client: Central Swindon North Parish Council
Project: Refurbishment of the Former Penhill Bowls Club
Department: Construction
Date of completion: January 2025
Budget: £170,000
Summary
ODS successfully completed the refurbishment of the former Penhill Bowls Club, a project awarded by Central Swindon North Parish Council. This transformation turned a long-neglected and vandalised site into a modern, multi-functional community space, now known as the Parkside Hub. The facility will serve as a vital gathering place for local residents, supporting meetings, recreational activities, and social events.
Requirements
The project required the complete restoration of the derelict building to create a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for the Penhill community. This included significant structural repairs, a roof replacement with upgraded insulation, and the installation of modern water, drainage, and electrical systems. Additionally, the interior needed to be redesigned into a flexible space suitable for various community activities. Ensuring the facility met current safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards was also a key priority.
Challenges
Severe damage and security concerns – The site had suffered extensive vandalism and multiple arson attempts, requiring extra security measures and substantial restoration work
Structural deterioration – The building’s poor condition meant major repairs were needed, including roof upgrades, insulation upgrades, and internal refurbishments.
Modernisation and compliance – Upgrading outdated systems to meet current safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards while maintaining the building’s community
Solution
To address these challenges, ODS carried out extensive renovations, including stripping and replacing the roof with upgraded insulation, installing new water, drainage, and electrical systems, and restoring the interior to create a flexible and modern community space. The refurbishment was conducted with strict adherence to safety and accessibility standards, ensuring the facility was both functional and welcoming. Additionally, ODS implemented enhanced security measures during the renovation process to prevent further vandalism and protect the site as construction progressed.
Results
The formerly derelict building was successfully transformed into the Parkside Hub, a safe and inviting space for local residents. The new facility now serves as a vital resource for the community, offering spaces for meetings, recreational activities, and social gatherings. The project has been widely praised by local leaders and residents, with Cllr Kevin Small emphasising its importance in providing young people with a dedicated space. With the Parkside Hub officially opening on February 8, this refurbishment marks a new chapter for Penhill, fostering connectivity, engagement, and future growth for the community.
Feedback
"This building was forgotten until the Parish Council stepped in. Thanks to the hard work of officers and our partners, we secured funding and transformed it from its poor state into something amazing. I’m so proud of the dedicated groups in Penhill who make projects like this possible" - Councillor Paul Park, Penhill Parish Council
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