Project Description
LCE Architects successfully bid to join the PFI team led by AMEC (now Morgan Sindall) as architects and lead consultants in collaboration with the newly launched Astudio Architecture. The Wigan LIFE Centres Project has a rich mix of functions brought together to create a new suite of public facilities. Due to the unique nature of the brief an opportunity existed to not only create a new place but also to tie it together with a new concept for delivering council services to the community. Therefore the design, function and branding was crucial in embedding this facility into the community. This major PFI win is a one-off leisure and community project which is part of a wider regeneration and transformation of Wigan.
LCE Architects led the design team in collaboration with ASTUDIO to develop a scheme for a new civic quarter in Wigan, with a wide reaching effect on the town’s perception as well as its function. This masterplan project focuses on urban, cultural and civic regeneration of the city.
The PFI project for Wigan Council involved the demolition of an existing swimming pool and the construction of two new city centre buildings close to the town hall. The 5,358m² Information and Learning Zone building features a ‘one-stop shop’ for council services, a library and the council’s property shop and neighbourhood zone offices. The 14,820m² Healthy Living Centre building features a 25 metre swimming pool, a gym and primary care trust facilities.

Roles and Responsibilities
Richard was the Associate Director in charge for LCE, leading the design and project management for this major PFI project, requiring several rounds of stakeholder and public consultation and design development to ensure both the brief and design met their requirements. Richard was also lead architect for the new-build element on the South Site, now known as the Healthy Living Centre, the single largest component of the project.