Ashfield Community Radio and Media Training

Design Impact workshop:

The Glass-House Community Led Design led a Design Impact Workshop with Ashfield Community Radio and Media Training. During and following a walk around the centre, the group highlighted many of the aspects that the refurbishment has facilitated - what works well or not so well for them - and reflected on the opportunity for future change:

ACRMT

What is working well?

The new Acacia Centre has transformed what was a run down and vandalised 70’s ‘bunker’ into a much loved, successful and eco-friendly building. On approach to the site for the first time, visitors have asked ‘where’s the community building?’ somehow associating the high standards with something other than community facilities.

The building has a clear plan and simple, logical layout, e.g. the toilets are near the main hall so easy when users are hiring the hall for functions.

A very strong sustainability strategy has ensured that the most efficient use of resources is made, as well as on-site energy generation through a ground source heat-exchange. This has included water conservation (recycling of grey water to toilet cisterns, and waterless urinals in the men’s toilets), a high level of energy conservation through insulation and adequate natural light. The heating can be controlled easily and rapidly – for example the heat pump exchange system in the large hall can change temperatures within 15 minutes. Due to the orientation of the building, it stayed very warm even during this cold winter and the Centre has not had to use the heater at the entrance at all.

To match this efficiency and saving, future-proofing has been built into the design, e.g. putting in lots of plug points so that in future, rooms could be used for IT equipment if needed.

There is a clear reception area, with an effective intercom system, so if you are new to the building you are met by a staff member.

To date there has been no vandalism of the new building. After the terrible trouble with vandalism of the old building, making it less attractive to vandalise was something that was designed in. First and foremost - the building looks good and well cared for; it is difficult to climb – too high; the exterior is very smooth with no purchase points and rainwater pipes have been installed inside.

There is a thorough access plan, well thought through, including wide doorways and corridors, lowered front desk, automatic front doors and a fully accessible changing room – the only one in Nottinghamshire. Consideration and thought has gone into providing for a variety of users with different needs, for example, small toilets for children.

The meeting room in reception is larger than anticipated and is far more versatile. Lots of activities can be held here, and it doubles as an informal meeting space.

In the new rooms to the rear of the building, well sound insulated moveable dividing walls are successfully used to divide the room in two. These are colour matched with the solid walls in the room to make it feel like one room, not two rooms divided.

The main hall: The large hall is multi-purpose, and doesn’t have sports  markings on the floor to enhance this. With new windows to the side, and a small kitchen area, it has enabled hirers to hold bigger events onsite.

The second production studio (for the radio station) is doubling as an office, and producing another rental income stream.

Community involvement with developing the brief has been strong throughout the development phase – intense support and enthusiasm, and community knowledge has fed into the design. This has resulted in continued positive community support.

A student drew up an initial plan showing the various uses.  This was a cheap and effective way to get things moving.  It was ‘sketchy’ enough to allow for the spaces to be re-thought and worked through before engaging an architect.  He also produced a visual walk through of the proposed building on an IT package that allowed the community to get a better idea of what the new centre could look like.

The centre is a great place to use and work as it is so practical and caters for all kinds of users’ needs.

What is not working so well?

Gents loos – initially the waterless urinals smelled – but a cure for this was found!

Air conditioning in the IT room is not as good as it could be. The temperature does rise, despite having fresh air accessible from open windows.

The nature of the funding (Lottery asset refurbishment) dictated that the building had to be done in two phases. The local library is to be based here too, but could not be constructed at the same time – meaning that overall, construction will be more expensive. Also, it means that the construction period is spread over a longer period. However, it is a welcome addition, and will bring new synergies.

Despite youth activities in the centre, it has been difficult to get the young people who vandalised the old building involved in the new one, which is a continued source of regret.

Top Tips from Acacia Centre

• Keep your options open to change or update your plan during the development (but NOT during the building phase!)
• Get the right size of building contractor on board.
• Involve your committee and volunteers with specialist knowledge, in drawing up the specifications for the building – they know what is needed.
• Maintain a good relationship with all partners – this is really essential. Value the experience of your partners – and listen to their advice.
• Be a robust client – the relationship with the architect should work two ways. Always question things you don’t understand.
• Ensure there’s a gap between the expected completion date and the first bookings.

Glass-House learning points:

• There was a huge amount of construction and sustainability experience on the Management Committee. This has helped the Acacia Centre to produce a really eco-friendly and economically viable building.
• Refurbishment can include extensive amounts of new build too. The balance between conserving existing materials and buildings, and adding new parts needs to be looked at adventurously. 
• The Bill of Quantities: a priced ‘shopping list’ of the works was reviewed with a fine tooth comb.  Variations once work has started on site are costly in both terms of time and budget.  Being confident that you know what you are getting before starting on site is crucial – it is easier to make minor alterations in the future.