Bolton Arena Tennis Centre
Architect: Bradshaw Gass and Hope
Main Contractor: Ballast Construction
Almost every product in the extensive Knauf range has been used in the new Bolton Arena Tennis Centre. This is the Lawn Tennis Association Regional Head Quarters where future Davis Cup matches will be held. It is also a huge complex containing a Sports Education area, a full size football pitch, and an all weather area for football, rugby, hockey netball and basketball. There are 6 American clay tennis courts, an aerobics centre and Conference facilities.
Knauf products have been used in every area other than the wet areas. Twin Frame, Wallboard and Denseshield have all been used and were chosen because of the higher density of Knauf Boards and the superior strength of Knauf’s 70mm studs.
Fred Bryant, Project Manager of Ballast Construction, the Main Contractor on the scheme, said: “ We have been delighted with the services provided to us by Knauf. Their technical support and advice to us has been invaluable and although we had not used Knauf products previously, we shall certainly be considering their use in future contracts as we have been very impressed with their quality.”
The concept for the Bolton Arena Tennis centre was originally much more modest, but Mark Head of Architects, Bradshaw Gass and Hope said that because of the growing interest in sports education and fitness, it developed into a very large community sports facility specifically designed to cater for Davis Cup matches. Mr. Head, whose firm was responsible for all of the detailed design and structural engineering and who, with Bolton Metro, developed the design concept, had not previously used Knauf products, but said: “We originally specified the use of products from Knauf’s main competitor, but after comparing quality and price, Knauf won our endorsement due to their competitive prices and the high quality of their products. We have been very pleased with our decision, and would have no qualms in using and recommending Knauf again, as long as they remain commercially competitive”.
The Knauf plasterboard range includes four standard plasterboard products to meet the everyday requirements of the construction industry. The company also produces a range of specialist plasterboards such as Roomform for domestic use, Fireshield for superior fire resistance, Moistureshield for special performance in areas of high moisture and Denseshield, offering superior impact resistance and durability. All of these, together with further specialist plasterboards, are available in various widths, thicknesses, lengths and edge profiles. Knauf maintains stringent quality control procedures in full compliance with ISO 9002 and BS 1230: Part 1: 1985 thus ensuring that clients and contractors can count on achieving the best end result.