The Avenue Shopping Centre

About the project

The Avenue Shopping Centre in Bournemouth has gone though some modernisation over the past few years. It now welcomes both retail customers and businesses to a refurbished and reimagined shopping experience, with an emphasis on supporting local businesses and all designed with a focus on comfort and sustainability.

The building has been at the heart of this popular seaside town since the Victorian era and the developers, Verve Properties, have taken the opportunity to redesign and reconfigure the historic building into a sustainable place where local independents shops and businesses can sit comfortably alongside bigger brands.

A major part of the redevelopment saw the conversion of shop units and old meeting rooms on the first and second floor into modern, flexible offices, with Dorset-based air conditioning installer, Modern Facilities Services Ltd were called in to design a system for air conditioning and ventilation within both units.

Why this project was brought in

The shop units had been derelict for years and Modern Facilities had to work around the redevelopment in phases, spending a couple of months on Phase one, before moving straight into the second area.

“The developers wanted to ensure the highest levels of comfort for the offices and also needed a system that would provide the flexibility to cope with the requirements of both small, local businesses and major global brands,” explained Gary Whitcher, Managing Director of Modern Facilities.
“We installed a VRF heat recovery system with series of Mr Slim R32 air conditioning units, working alongside the Lossnay mechanical ventilation to deliver energy efficiency at the heart of the system,” said Gary, “Not only did this allow us to work alongside the phased redevelopment, it also gives flexibility of use for the different offices spaces, alongside advanced, controllable, energy efficient comfort.”

Gary set-up Modern Facilities with co-founder, Kevin Bradley after they realised the need for an independent service and installation company in Dorset. Between the two of them, they have over 40 years’ experience in the HVAC and electrical industries: “This project is all about revitalising the local area and adapting in challenging times,” added Gary. The modern offices, which offer views over the new atrium gardens are already completely rented out to local businesses and offer advanced, controllable air conditioning, supplemented by lots of energy efficient ventilation. The Lossnay mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is able to capture over 80% of the heat energy that would otherwise be lost when fresh air is brought into the building. This focus on energy efficiency was important for the developers who sought to deliver a sustainable shopping and business experience right in the heart of the town. The designers have looked at every area of the building to improve the environment and widen the appeal of the centre to create more interest and diversity.

Increasing the connection with nature

Outside they uncovered the original buildings which had been hidden for decades behind black glass. Now, the fabric is covered by a living wall which is changed seasonally. Not only does this increase connection with nature for the occupants, but the introduction of living plants also provides an attractive calming effect to the main shopping street and a living connection to Terrace Gardens at the rear, which is accessed through the mall.

Inside the main area has been re worked to open up the atrium and reconfigure an abandoned escalator area into an art installation. Giant Japanese kokdamas hanging trees are suspended from the ceiling to add nature and drama and, in addition to the refurbished upstairs offices, the former loading dock and service yard are being transformed into a Shoreditch style multi-function event space.

Building a community

“The developers have realised that instead of just being places to ‘buy stuff’, town centres need to offer more connectivity and interest,” explained Gary. “The fact that all of the offices have already been let is a good sign that they’ve got it right.”

Modern Facilities services look after the air conditioning units at our offices located near to Fordingbridge in Hampshire. We found Modern Facilities online and asked them to service the system, and have since set up an arrangement where they remind us when services are due and they are also very responsive to call-outs for any repairs in between these times. As the units are now quite old, Modern Facilities have been great at suggesting solutions and carrying out repairs to keep them going efficiently for as long as possible, with little or no adverse impact either to us or to the environment.

Jane McNeill, Operations Manager

Rosehill Advisors

Modern Facilities replaced our ageing air conditioning systems with very little disruption to the company's day to day running. We also asked for several of the floors to be completely rewired with new dedicated electrical circuits data cabling, which all was supplied within the original completion date. Due to their professionalism, attention to detail, and their attitude to be able to deliver anything requested of them without any issues, they were further awarded with the contract to provide a full service package for all the services within the Main office building. Modern Facilities is an excellent company.

Chris Franks, Facilities Manager

Lester Aldridge

Modern Facilities Services have assisted us in many of our projects, including the rebirth of the prestigious Bobbys of Bournemouth building, which had an extensive amount of air conditioning installed on behalf of us by Modern Facilities Services. From the design stage through installation, to commissioning and after care, their team continues to be supportive, knowledgeable and skilful. Constructive and helpful in developing the value proposition whilst ensuring reliable functionality and skill full in delivering the completed installation on time. The quality of their work can not be faulted and their team are a pleasure to work with.

Neil Blackmore, Director

Kiwi Construction

Services

Air conditioning services

Ventilation Systems

Air Source Heat Pumps

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Ventilation Systems

Air Source Heat Pumps

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