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Marlborough College Gym Restoration and Conversion

Converted from a jail to a gymnasium in 1908, use of the building gradually declined until it fell into a state of disrepair. Marlborough College set out to modernise the facility into a new gym, spin and dance studios, high specification exercise studios, and a contemporary juice bar caf¨¦. They engaged us to provide structural engineering services on this effort.

The existing facility forms part of a closely sited group of historic Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings nestled among several other un-listed but historically significant structures. While the external envelope was wind and weathertight, the internal layout and facilities became extremely dated and no longer fit for purpose, leaving the College to question the building¡¯s future.

We undertook a detailed feasibility analysis to establish how to proceed with such a sensitive renovation. Our design team worked carefully with the conservation officer to develop proposals that were not only sympathetic to the building but highlighted and enhanced the existing features. We designed alterations with the tenets of reversibility and as little intrusion as possible. Listed Building Consent was obtained and the specification of works tendered to contractors with a specialism and track record in historic building works.

Traditional materials such as lime mortar and plaster were used to repair the building fabric. Careful refurbishment of the existing slender metal windows made them fully operational to work in conjunction with the proposed new ventilation strategy. The lighting enhances historical features, and the mezzanine floor reveals previously unappreciated views of the surrounding historic roofscape.

The result is an iconic building, secured for future generations and enjoying significantly increased user numbers.