Case Study
Northgate Arena
Location:
Chester
Project type:
Leisure Centre Refurbishment
Project value:
£10.2 million
Client:
Cheshire West and Chester Council / Brio Leisure
Completion:
2026
Project overview
JPS provided civil, structural and temporary works engineering services as part of the major refurbishment and modernisation of Northgate Arena in Northwich. Working alongside Read Construction and Ellis Williams Architects, the project transformed the leisure facility through extensive remodelling, upgraded sports and wellness facilities, improved accessibility, and significant sustainability enhancements.
The scheme involved a complete strip-back to the original structure, enabling the project team to identify and rectify existing defects before delivering new changing facilities, viewing platforms, spa and fitness areas, and upgraded pool and leisure attractions.
JPS played a key role in supporting the safe delivery of the works through structural design, repairs, strengthening measures, drainage improvements, and temporary works engineering.
The engineering challenge
The scheme presented several challenges, including:
- Undertaking extensive refurbishment works within an existing leisure facility while maintaining the integrity of the original structure.
- Identifying and addressing previously concealed structural defects following the complete strip-back of the building.
- Delivering structural alterations to accommodate new changing facilities, viewing platforms, and reconfigured internal spaces.
- Designing and implementing structural strengthening and repair solutions within an ageing building.
- Coordinating temporary works requirements to enable construction activities to proceed safely and efficiently throughout the programme.
- Upgrading drainage infrastructure to support the refurbished facility and its enhanced amenities.
The engineering solution
JPS was responsible for:
- Providing civil, structural and temporary works engineering services throughout the project.
- Designing structural alterations to changing areas and new viewing platforms.
- Assessing, specifying and overseeing structural repair and strengthening works to the existing building fabric
- Delivering drainage upgrade designs to support the modernised facility.
- Developing temporary works solutions that enabled the refurbishment to be carried out safely and efficiently.
- Attending site during construction to review exposed structural elements and advise on strengthening requirements where defects were uncovered.
- Collaborating closely with Read Construction and Ellis Williams Architects to coordinate engineering requirements with the overall refurbishment programme.
The outcome
• Successful transformation of Northgate Arena into a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient leisure destination.
• Structural defects within the original building were identified and remedied before completion of the refurbishment works.
• New and enhanced facilities delivered, including upgraded changing areas, viewing platforms, fitness spaces, spa facilities, and refurbished swimming facilities.
• Improved building performance through infrastructure upgrades, supporting the wider sustainability objectives of the scheme.
• Safe and efficient construction delivery achieved through carefully planned temporary works and ongoing engineering support.
• A revitalised community leisure facility capable of serving residents for many years to come.
• Structural defects within the original building were identified and remedied before completion of the refurbishment works.
• New and enhanced facilities delivered, including upgraded changing areas, viewing platforms, fitness spaces, spa facilities, and refurbished swimming facilities.
• Improved building performance through infrastructure upgrades, supporting the wider sustainability objectives of the scheme.
• Safe and efficient construction delivery achieved through carefully planned temporary works and ongoing engineering support.
• A revitalised community leisure facility capable of serving residents for many years to come.
