Spiceball Leisure Centre: Ensuring Operational Excellence with Critical Maintenance

Project Overview

• Client: Parkwood Project Management (PPM)
• Location: Spiceball Leisure Centre, Banbury
• Industry: Public Leisure Management / Facilities Management

The Challenge: A Critical Upgrade for Essential Services

Opened in 2009, the popular Spiceball Leisure Centre, a key facility within the Parkwood portfolio, faced a critical maintenance requirement. The original circulation pumps for both the Main Pool and the Learner Pool had reached the end of their operational lifecycle. To guarantee the continued, efficient operation of the centre’s pool facilities—a non-negotiable for a public service—immediate and precise replacement was necessary. Our Solution: Precision and Minimal Disruption

The primary goal of this project was to conduct a like-for-like replacement of four original Lowara pumps to seamlessly maintain system integrity and performance.

Key Scope of Work:

• Service: Complete removal of old units, fitting of new pumps, and all necessary plumbing and electrical wiring.
• Compliance: Detailed submission of all mechanical and electrical designs, data sheets, and a full Construction Phase Plan, including Safe Systems of Work (e.g., RAMs for live electrics).

Execution: Working in a Live Environment

Our goal was clear: install four brand-new, powerful pumps (replacing the originals) to keep the whole system running smoothly, without the public ever knowing we were there.

Here’s how we made it happen:

• Behind the Scenes Work: All the heavy lifting, including removing the old pumps, installing the new ones, and all the plumbing and electrical work, was strictly confined to the lower plant room.
• Always Open: The centre’s busy operating hours (early mornings to late evenings) meant we couldn’t just shut down the pools. We used a phased approach, meaning we isolated and powered down sections of the system one at a time. This careful planning ensured the centre could stay fully operational, serving the community without a single interruption.
• The Result: Peace of mind for years to come

The project was completed seamlessly, securing the longevity of the pool facilities. We handed over a complete package of documents to the client, ensuring they have everything they need for long-term care and maintenance, including:

• All testing and compliance certificates.
• The essential O&M (Operation and Maintenance) Manuals.
• Full manufacturer warranties and our own one-year guarantee on the installation work.

Through expert execution and a focus on detail, this project demonstrates PPM’s commitment to operational excellence, ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient swimming environment at Spiceball Leisure Centre for years to come.

Spiceball

Cherwell District Council

• Project Management
• Employers Agent
• Contract Administration

The finished project: