Our Projects

Project Overview

The Ian Coley Shooting School is a shooting range and store located in the Gloucester countryside near Cheltenham. The project aimed to expand the existing building, which previously only consisted or retail space and back-of-house facilities, to create a venue of housing events.

The scope of the project included constructing a new entrance, reception area, and hosting space. Clarkebond was appointed as the Civil and Structural engineers and Geotechnical services provider for this project.

Our Involvement

Clarkebond played a crucial role in providing structural and civil engineering services for the project. We worked as structural engineers for the substructure, focusing on the ground floor down to the foundations.

Additionally, we were responsible for alterations to the existing foul and surface drainage systems and integrating the new extension with the existing loadbearing masonry frame. CB Ground Engineering conducted site investigations to inform the design process of CB structures.

Sustainability Features and Appointment

To promote sustainability, the above-ground construction utilised a timber-frame system, and the building featured primarily timber cladding. Furthermore, the project incorporated the reuse and expansion of the existing soakaway to enhance surface water drainage.

Clarkebond was directly awarded the project by EG Carter, the contractor , under a Design and Build Contract.

Challenges and Resolutions

• Working to a tight design programme to deliver to site, Clarkebond responded swiftly to the modular framing design, providing a complete preliminary foundation design package within a two-day turnaround.
• The design for the support steelwork needed to allow the retail space to remain open throughout the design process. Clarkebond worked with the design team to implement a system that could be installed with the site security intact, and without closing the shop, much to the client’s satisfaction.
• Delays within the design and construction programme were effectively managed by Clarkebond, minimising project delays. Despite tight procurement time scales and an accelerated programme, Clarkebond maintained fast turnaround times throughout the project.
• Working with an unusual, non-compliant existing drainage network on-site, Clarkebond revised the drainage design to meet requirements, implementing a shallower system. A late-stage change included the introduction of a new soakaway to supplement the existing system, which was initially assumed to be functional but later found to be defective.

Relationship with the Team and the Client

Our relationship with the architect and quantity surveyor/project manager was generally good. We worked together to resolve issues related to levels and sure smooth progress. Although there were strains at points due to time pressures, we maintained clear communication and prioritised the information required, ultimately resolving any challenges.

We enjoyed a positive relationship with Ian Coley Sporting Goods. The client appreciated Clarkebond’s fast responses and willingness to accommodate requests from other disciplines. Our steelwork solution was particularly valued as it allowed the retail space to remain operational during installation.

Client Satisfaction

Ian Coley Shooting School expressed overall satisfaction with the project outcome. The client provided positive feedback, particularly praising Clarkebond’s steelwork solution and the time-saving benefits derived from our fast responses and adaptability.

Future Work

Although no awards or client testimonials were obtained at the time, Clarkebond is actively engaged with EG Carter on future retail projects, indicating a positive outlook for continued collaboration. Overall, the Ian Coley Shooting School project showcased Clarkebond’s expertise in structural and civil engineering, problem-solving abilities, and efficient project management.

Our contributions resulted in a successful expansion of the shooting school, meeting the client’s requirements and expectations.