Dover Discovery Centre Refurbishment
Comprehensive refurbishment transforming historic building into vibrant multi-use community hub hosting library, theatre, nursery and educational services.
Scope of Works
Our comprehensive delivery included:
Demolition and Strip-Out:
Asbestos removal throughout the building
Removal of all existing floor finishes (carpet tiles and vinyl)
Removal of all existing ceiling finishes (suspended grid ceilings)
Demolition of existing brickwork walls and stud partitions
Removal of existing doors and lifts
Demolition of roof glazing
Removal of existing roofing systems including 72 tonnes of shingle
Complete strip-out of existing M&E services
Building Envelope:
Installation of new IKO ULTRA Prevent roofing system across multiple roof areas
Construction of new plant enclosures with steel decks and louvered screens
Replacement of existing glazed roofing with Euroclad Elite 4 standing seam systems
Implementation of tapered insulation schemes to improve drainage
Internal Refurbishment:
Replacement of floor coverings throughout
Installation of new ceiling finishes
Comprehensive painting and decorating
Improvements to fire stopping throughout the building
Enhancements to accessible toilets
Mechanical and Electrical:
First and second fix of completely new M&E systems
Installation of new plant on purpose-built roof enclosures
Integration of all services with existing building structure
Location:
Dover Discovery Centre, York Street, Market Square, Dover, UK
Project Value:
£5,312,237.46
Duration:
Dover Discovery Centre, York Street, Market Square, Dover, UK
Client:
Kent County Council
Contract:
JCT Design and Build Contract (2016 Edition)
The Challenge:
The project presented numerous complex challenges typical of extensive refurbishment schemes. The building’s intricate design with multiple roof levels and curved partitions created technical difficulties for both demolition and installation work. Extensive mechanical and electrical systems required complete replacement while maintaining the building’s architectural integrity. The roofing system had failed in multiple areas, causing leaks that needed comprehensive remediation. Additionally, we discovered that many existing partitions lacked appropriate fire safety ratings, requiring significant additional work to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Our Approach:
Our team implemented a carefully phased approach to this complex refurbishment. The demolition and strip-out phase was meticulously planned to remove all redundant elements while preserving structural integrity. We worked closely with novated architects and specialist consultants to develop robust design solutions for the building’s unique challenges.
For the critical M&E elements, we appointed specialist sub-contractors early in the project and organised weekly coordination meetings to ensure timely design progression. When mechanical design issues were identified, we promptly engaged a specialist mechanical consultant to provide detailed heat loss calculations and revise the design accordingly. The roof replacement strategy was developed in collaboration with IKO and our approved installer, addressing the building’s unique shape and drainage requirements.
Overcoming Challenges:
The project presented several significant challenges that required innovative solutions. One major challenge was the removal of approximately 72 tonnes of shingle from the roof areas. Our operational team collaborated with our demolition contractor to develop a solution using scaffold chutes directing into skips below, ensuring safe and efficient removal despite the logistical site constraints.
During the mechanical strip-out, we discovered existing ductwork behind walls that were not scheduled for removal. Our project team promptly identified this issue and, under client instruction, carefully dismantled the necessary partitions to allow for complete removal of redundant ductwork, preventing future maintenance issues.
The building’s unique shape presented significant challenges for the roofing design, particularly in achieving the required falls for drainage. Working closely with IKO and our approved installer, we developed a tapered insulation scheme that accommodated the complex geometry while ensuring effective water management. The installation of new plant on the roofs required careful planning, including the use of a mobile tower crane to safely lift heavy units into position despite the site’s limited space.
Fire safety improvements presented another significant challenge when specialist surveys revealed that many existing partitions were not suitable for fire safety purposes. In response, we implemented a comprehensive rebuilding programme, particularly on the second floor where partitions lacked structural integrity. The solution involved 146mm Gypframe stud partitions with RB1 resilient bars and double layers of Gyproc Soundbloc plasterboard, creating walls with both structural integrity and 60-minute fire ratings.
Key Achievements:
Despite the complexity of this refurbishment project, we successfully transformed the Dover Discovery Centre into a modern, functional community building. The new roofing systems have eliminated previous leakage issues, with the high-quality IKO system offering an exceptional life expectancy exceeding 30 years. Our fire safety improvements have significantly enhanced the building’s safety standards, ensuring all partitions meet current requirements.
The carefully designed and installed M&E systems provide efficient, reliable services throughout the building, supported by purpose-built plant enclosures on the roof. The aesthetically pleasing Euroclad roofing system on the conservatory areas has replaced dated glazing, improving both appearance and thermal performance.
Through meticulous planning and collaborative problem-solving, we have delivered a comprehensive refurbishment that respects the building’s unique architecture while creating modern, functional spaces for diverse community uses. The transformed Dover Discovery Centre now stands ready to serve the local community for decades to come, with enhanced facilities, improved safety standards, and superior building performance.