Penarth Leisure Centre
Penarth Leisure Centre is at the heart of the Penarth community, serving over 28,000 people locally. In 2023, the Vale of Glamorgan Council identified that the external cladding, rooflights and roof system were unsafe, in poor condition and had reached the end of their serviceable life.
- Client
- Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Timescale
- 12 months
- Date
- September 2024
- Budget
- £2.4m
- Project Manager
- James Williams , Bridgend
- Project Location
- Cardiff
After
Before
task
We conducted a comprehensive drone, moisture mapping and condition survey of the roof. This detailed assessment confirmed the roof’s build-up and allowed us to carry out a series of tests to determine the most effective solution for its refurbishment.
Central were approached by the appointed Design Manager, Rider Levett Bucknall, to investigate the full building envelope and prepare a tender submission. Close collaboration with suppliers was essential including; Soprema, Poly-Pac roof lights, Euroclad for the standing seam system and Trina for the photovoltaic solar panels.
approach
The project focused on refurbishing the existing flat roof, which was primarily single-ply with a small area of felt roofing. The refurbishment involved both overlaying and stripping sections, where necessary, using the FLAG by Soprema Single-Ply system – a durable, UV-resistant waterproofing solution.
Alongside the roofing works, Central replaced the rooflights on five pitched spines, improving natural lighting and thermal efficiency. The cladding on the pitched spines and the building perimeter was also stripped and replaced. To support the client’s sustainability goals, solar panels were installed on the pitched spines, reducing energy costs and improving environmental performance. The front and rear curtain walling was enhanced with a cost-effective vinyl covering, with mullions being replaced, and steelwork repainted to improve the overall aesthetic of the building envelope.
solution
Work took place in three phased stages over 12 months, ensuring the leisure centre remained open and operational. Health and safety was prioritised, with strict site controls and protective measures in place to safeguard workers and the public. This approach minimised disruption to the leisure centre, allowing normal operations to continue safely.