The YMCA gym is the largest gym facility within London. The refurbishment project consisted of two key phases. Phase 1 being the demolition, alteration and fit out of level -1 directly above the live gym area. Phase 2 entailed the complete strip out and refurbishment of the swimming pool area in the basement of the building.

Phase 1 was logistically challenging as the works had to be completed without affecting the continued operation of the gym. Careful planning and protection meant that the necessary demolition and alteration works were planned without interrupting the YMCA’s members schedules. The works included complete strip out of both architectural and mechanical & electrical elements of works and the subsequent upgrading of the M&E elements.

Phase 2 commenced upon completion of Phase 1 and consisted of the full refurbishment of the swimming pool area within a very tight 15 week programme duration. Works included the complete removal of the existing ceiling and all services within the ceiling void. In order
to complete the works within the given timescales, a full birdcage scaffold had to be constructed to allow the removal of the high level ceiling and M&E services whilst the swimming pool was also being stripped out back to the concrete base. The new finish coupled with clever lighting layouts brought a revived, cleaner look to the refurbished pool area.

With completion being achieved on programme just before the Christmas break, the YMCA were able to re-open the pool area as scheduled ready for the new year. Throughout the duration of both phases of the project, the gym members were keen to understand the construction process. In order to provide them an insight to the progress through the project a hoarding was erected and decorated to highlight a timeline of the YMCA going back to its foundation in 1844 up to when the construction phase was due to be completed.