Shelter Hall Pavilion
Brighton & Hove City Council
Completed 2021
BREEAM compliant for sustainability and environmental performance.
Scope & Scale
The project brief was to replace the Victorian West Street Shelter Hall Pavilion with a modern equivalent, including a restaurant. The existing building was in a severe state of disrepair having last been used in 2012.
The Shelter Hall extends under Kings Road (A259) and effectively acts as a bridge support for the carriageway at the junction with West Street, which brings added logistical complications to the project. This process was further complicated by the need to preserve, restore and relocate the existing Grade II listed kiosk.
Over a period of 18 months, we crafted the new Pavilion building using accoya timber, zinc roofing and aluminium. We incorporated intricately designed custom anodised columns and a distinctive crown structure. In addition to the exterior work, we completed the interior construction and fit-out of the pavilion, transforming it into a suitable space for a restaurant.
The area underwent a complete transformation, turning from an aged rundown seafront, to a vibrant, accessible space.
Challenges
One of the project’s major challenges was its prime location which demanded meticulous logistics management to avoid delays, disruptions and potential risks to the public.
Positioned directly on the beach, the project had to contend with the harsh coastal climate, necessitating the use of materials capable of enduring the coastal weather conditions for many years to come.
The complex design of the building posed fresh challenges that we had to address. Its distinctive features, aligning with the original Victorian structure, required extensive planning and multiple approval meetings involving key stakeholders like Historic England and Brighton and Hove City Council.
The detailed specification of the building and its fittings and fixtures was adhered to throughout, paying particular attention to its unique decagon shape and anodised columns.
Added Value & Innovation
The materials chosen for this project were specifically designed to minimise maintenance needs and offer exceptional durability, preserving the historical significance and prime location.
Our pride stemmed from innovating the exterior columns. Upon understanding the client's vision, we translated it into drawings and collaborated with a local fabricator. By meticulously designing, fabricating and incorporating detailed fretwork and an aluminium surround, we achieved the illusion of curvature.
These bespoke anodised aluminium columns were carefully installed on-site by our team.
Project Management
Effective communication was vital in managing our construction schedule amidst the bustling Brighton seafront. We allocated a contracts manager, implemented daily reporting and maintained written records to keep the project on track, minimising disruptions such as temporary retail closures.
Given the building’s historical significance, we ensured regular site meetings involving council members, project managers and the design team, ensuring both smooth operations and precise adherence to specifications.