Groundskeeping Journal Issue 1 2019 | Page 19

LATEST NEWS Testimonial “The Crown team were great, working hard to ensure a totally seamless install, despite problems such as existing sloping floors, which meant repositioning some lockers to take account of that. “Their fitout was prompt and professional – they were quality craftsmen who sorted any snags as a matter of urgency. Everything went like clockwork. “The contractors loved working with them. We had no issues and have every intention of using them again.” Daniel Thompson, Partner, Frank Whittle Partnership “I’d known Crown from earlier golf clubs I’d managed,” Martin recalls, “and knew they manufactured quality products. We asked three suppliers to tender for the work. Crown’s website and case studies showed clearly the quality level we were seeking.” Studying the changing room layouts and sending the club examples of the lockers proposed for members to scrutinise, Crown worked closely with lead consultant Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) who created innovative designs for the locker rooms, toilets and shower cubicles. “Project plans had been prepared some years ago but then shelved until Martin came in post three and a half years ago,” says Daniel Thompson, FWP partner. “He has driven the project forward with the backing of the board and gave us free rein on the changing room designs,” he adds. “To launch the project on the right footing from a PR perspective, it was paramount for the changing rooms to look the part,” notes FWP interior designer David Simmons. Working alongside main contractor Create Construction, FWP have provided a comprehensive in-house design service spanning architecture, interior design, quantity surveying and structural, mechanical and electrical engineering elements for the multi- phase development. “ “This was a project quite personal to us. We’d handled plenty of metal or laminate locker systems for hotels and sport sites but timber was new for us,” says David. “They were in a dire state, wooden but unfit for purpose and too small to store modern equipment. We sought a bespoke fitout, rather than just joinery.” “The club wanted a more contemporary feel but the facilities had to carry that air of prestige as Fairhaven numbers plenty of older members among its ranks – some in their 80s and 90s - as well as teenagers. It was a question of catering for the more traditional end too.” GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019 19