Westmead Hub, Chippenham

The UK’s first purpose built climbing centre, as part of a new leisure and community facility in the heart of Chippenham.

Giraffe Engineering are providing a full suite of civil and structural design services which involves developing a flood risk and compensation strategy to enable development within the floodplain of the River Avon. This is achieved with the use of permeable paving, and the creation of a new wetlands area which will enhance local biodiversity.

The steel framed superstructure is cleverly arranged to hide braced bays within walls, leaving the glazed elevations fully open and uninterrupted. Our structural design coordinates with the purpose built climbing walls to take account of all loading conditions, avoiding the need for additional structural modifications while also designing for future flexibility of the building.

Best Public or Community Building, LABC West of England Awards 2023
Place-Making Project of the Year, Insider South West Property Awards 2022

Architect: Elkins Architects
Project Manager: CMS Group
Contractor: Rigg Construction
Photography:  Mark Glazier Architectural Illustration