The Boat House Youth Project - Blackpool

Our Work

The Boat House

Project Summary

Introduction

The Boathouse Youth Project represents a significant investment in community infrastructure in Blackpool. This project was designed to enhance youth facilities and create a welcoming, accessible space for young people and local residents. Delivered in partnership with local stakeholders, the project reflects a strong commitment to improving community wellbeing and supporting social development.

Project Overview

Delivering a modern, inclusive youth facility through collaboration, social value partnerships, and community focused design.

The Boathouse Youth Project involved the redevelopment and enhancement of a community youth facility in Blackpool, creating a modern, accessible space designed to support young people and local residents. The works included demolition of existing structures, comprehensive groundworks, structural improvements, and full internal and external refurbishment.

Delivered within a live community environment, the project required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption while maintaining safety and programme efficiency. Despite funding constraints, Bambers successfully completed the scheme through proactive management and strong collaboration with supply chain partners, integrating social value contributions to enhance the overall delivery.

The result is a high quality, future ready facility that supports community engagement, wellbeing, and long term social impact.

Project Details

Property Type

Community / Youth Facility

Client

The Boathouse Youth Project

Scope

Demolition, groundworks, structural enhancements, refurbishment, and external upgrades

Occupancy

Community Facility (Occupied / Live Environment)

Challenges

Overcoming Challenges

Logistical Constraints: Working within a densely populated area required careful planning to reduce impact on neighbouring properties and community services.
Programme Management: Delivering a comprehensive scope of works to a tight timeline while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing community activities.
Budget and Funding Limitations: Funding constraints emerged during delivery, creating challenges in completing all areas of the works to the intended specification.
Supply Chain Social Value Collaboration: Coordinating additional support to maintain quality and delivery despite financial constraints.
Environmental Considerations: Ensuring works were carried out sustainably, aligning with local authority environmental targets.

Solutions

How We Delivered

Phased Delivery: Implementing a structured programme of works allowed the team to maintain access and safety while delivering each workstream efficiently.
Cost and Risk Management: Robust monitoring and reporting frameworks ensured the project stayed on track despite funding challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement: Regular communication with local authorities, community representatives, and partner organisations ensured alignment throughout.
Collaborative Partnerships: Engaging the supply chain to secure social value contributions, maintaining quality without compromising delivery.
Sustainable Practices: Use of local labour and materials where possible to support the local economy and reduce carbon footprint.

Site Preparation & Demolition

Removal of outdated structures and full site clearance to enable redevelopment.

Groundworks & Infrastructure

Comprehensive excavations, drainage installation, and foundation slab construction.

Structural Enhancements

Improvements to ensure long term durability, safety, and accessibility.

External Works & Compliance

Upgrades to external areas to meet modern safety and inclusion standards.

Internal Refurbishment & Adaptability

Refurbishment works focused on energy efficiency and flexible community use.

Social Value Contributions & Fit Out

Supply chain collaboration delivered key elements including flooring, reception desk, decoration, blinds, and signage enhancing the final facility at no additional cost.

Value Added

For the Community and Client

Enhanced Youth Facilities: A modern, accessible space that meets the needs of young people
Community Engagement: Strengthened relationships between residents, local authorities, and service providers
Improved Social Outcomes: Supporting youth programmes, education initiatives, and wellbeing activities
Legacy Benefits: A long term community asset promoting inclusion, safety, and opportunity

As a Company

Demonstrated ability to deliver complex community-focused projects
Strengthened relationships with local authority partners
Expanded portfolio of social value driven infrastructure projects
Positive environmental and social impact through local supply chain engagement

“Working with Bambers on the Grange Park Youth Centre renovation has been exceptional. Their team delivered with real care, precision and a deep understanding of what this space means to our community. Thanks to their support, the centre has doubled in size, with brand-new spaces for learning, socialising and fitness – transforming it into a modern, welcoming hub for young people.

From demolition to final finish, Bambers delivered on time, to the highest standards. They worked closely with our designers and The BHY to create spaces shaped by the very people they serve. Thanks to Bambers, local young people now have a safe, inspiring place to learn, grow and thrive – and that impact will be felt for generations.” Laurance Hancock, CEO, The Boathouse Youth

Social Value

This project delivered meaningful social value beyond the physical improvements to the facility, creating lasting benefits for the local community. Throughout delivery, Bambers prioritised engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring the project responded to the needs of young people and the wider community.

The scheme supported local employment by incorporating regional labour and trades, helping to sustain the local economy while building skills and experience within the workforce. Opportunities were also created for knowledge sharing and engagement, strengthening connections between the project team and the community it serves.

In addition, the project has contributed to long term social sustainability by providing a safe, inclusive environment that encourages positive youth engagement. By investing in spaces that support education, wellbeing, and social interaction, the development helps foster stronger community cohesion and improved life opportunities for future generations.