HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions / Social Infrastructure > Social Infrastructure UK/Ireland

SOLUTIONS AG

Company

Transport Infrastructure

Social Infrastructure

Infrastructure Ventures

Press and Services

Career

Wigan Life Centre

HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (UK), a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF Solutions, is leading the Access Consortium which realized its first PPP community center in the town of Wigan, located west of Manchester. In June 2009, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council signed contracts with the consortium to design, build, finance, and operate the multi-purpose building, to be known as the Wigan Life Centre.

The project, which represents an investment of EUR 69.1 million, combines services from the areas of administration, health and fitness in the center of the town. The contract volume is EUR 261.6 million.

The contract involved the construction of two multi-purpose buildings to the north and south of the existing town hall. In total, the two buildings have an internal area of around 20,000 square meters.

Key project data

Contract for design, construction, financing and operation of Wigan Life Centre, UK
Investment volume: EUR 69.1 million
Contract volume: EUR 261.6 million
Concession period: 25 years (from opening)
Term: 2011–2036
Concession provider: Wigan Council
Project parties: HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (50%), Community Solutions for Leisure Ltd. (50%)

Construction

Construction started in June 2009 and was completed at the end of 2011. The southern section of the new complex comprises more than 14,000 square meters. It is distinguished by a spacious entrance lobby, which extends over two floors. The offices of the council employees are positioned around a new 25-meter swimming pool with a height-adjustable floor and a separate learner pool. There will also be a modern fitness studio and various medical facilities. A 250-seat gallery will serve as a viewing and relaxation area. This southern part of the complex is connected to the town hall by a public square. The new building on the north site, which covers an area of over 5,000 square meters, has been designed to blend with the rest of Wigan's historic core.

The heritage-protected terracotta facade of the old administrative building, which dates back to 1930, was retained. Behind this, a new structure was created containing user-friendly community services: an information desk, a library for all age groups and various council bodies. There is also a piazza which is utilized as an outdoor performance space. In addition, the north building provides a central contact point for the urban housing body, Citizens Advice, police and fire service. In the construction of the Wigan Life Centre, one key factor was sustainability. The use of recycled construction materials, and a modern power and heating supply, ensure lower CO₂ emissions and life cycle costs, with a reduction of up to 35 percent in energy consumption.

Operation

HOCHTIEF Facility Management (UK) will take on the subsequent operation of the buildings. It will be responsible for all supply and disposal and cleaning services. HOCHTIEF will operate the new PPP Life Centre for 25 years from the time it is opened.

A visualization of the multi-functional Wigan Life Centre in the heart of the town of Wigan (west of Manchester) in the United Kingdom. This is the first HOCHTIEF Solutions PPP community center in the UK.