Category: leisure

construction, leisure, Ogilvie

£5 million project tees off at Renaissance Golf Club

ed

PLANS to invest £5 million in a new clubhouse and golf course extension have been revealed by the Renaissance Golf Club in East Lothian.

Ogilvie Construction will carry out building work on the site near the historic village of Dirleton. The new building has been designed by Edinburgh-based Yeoman McAllister.

Preliminary ground works are expected start shortly. The new clubhouse should be completed by the summer of 2013, in time for the British Open Championship at the nearby Muirfield golf course.

The new facility, which will cover four floors, is set to feature extensive hospitality, accommodation and leisure facilities, including:

  • private dining;
  • a wine cellar and tasting area;
  • a snug bar;
  • international business centre;
  • a private gym; and
  • spa and treatment rooms.

Phil McEwan, the managing director of Ogilvie Construction, said: “We have a strong background in the leisure and hospitality sector and are delighted to be selected as contractors for this prestigious contract.

“The clubhouse will have a number of viewing areas and terraces overlooking four greens including the 18th. The upper floor will also feature six luxury bedroom apartments to complement the existing 14 luxury suites in the club’s existing accommodation.

“Once finished it will be a truly iconic building in a beautiful setting. We can’t wait to get on site and start work.”

The Renaissance Club opened in East Lothian in 2008. It has almost 200 domestic and international members from counties across Europe, Asia and the USA. The new investment and facilities at the club are expected to attract considerable new membership interest.

Jerry Sarvadi, the managing director and joint owner of The Renaissance Club, said: “The creation of a new clubhouse and extension of our golf course marks the next major stage in the development of The Renaissance Club.

“We created and opened the Club in the midst of the recession and have been fortunate to receive such a high level of support and interest from our members in the early years. ”
The latest developments at the Renaissance Club will take the total investment to date to over £20 million, all of which has been funded by the owners – the Sarvadi family, private members and individual investors.

The golf course extension is being designed by award winning US golf architect, Tom Doak, who originally worked with the owners to create the Renaissance course.

The extension features three new holes 9, 10 and 11 which will have dramatic new views overlooking the Firth of Forth and will add considerably to both the course features and playing challenge. Beyond the clubhouse development and course extension, the Renaissance owners are also considering the creation of a stand-alone, twenty bedroom luxury lodge in the longer term.

This would add to the Club’s accommodation and leisure facilities for international guests and their families seeking to enjoy a short break in Scotland with the appeal of easy access to Europe.

To find out more about The Renaissance Club, please visit http://www.trcaa.com

Ogilvie Construction, part of the Ogilvie Group, is one of the leading building firms in Scotland. The family-owned business has its head office in Stirling and operates throughout Scotland and the North of England.

Find out more at http://www.ogilvie.co.uk

FOR THE RENAISSANCE CLUB – please contact

Linda Bain of Linda Bain Communications
Tel: 0131 337 3768 or 07768 035968; email: linda@lindabain.com

Simon Holt, Director of Membership, The Renaissance Club
Tel: 01620 850 901 or simon@trcaa.com

http://www.trcaa.com

FOR OGILVIE CONSTRUCTION – please contact

** Adrian Mahoney, PR Consultant for Ogilvie Construction
Tel: 01506 823714 or 07967 150560; email: Adrian.mahoney@ogilvie.co.uk

http://www.ogilvie.co.uk

charities, construction, leisure, Ogilvie, public sector

Time Capsule revamp is a splash hit

ed

Fun at the Time Capsule, CoatbridgeONE of Scotland’s leading leisure centres has been
officially re-opened after the first phase of a £6
million revamp.

The Time Capsule in Coatbridge has had extensive renovation work over the past year.

It now boasts a unique new attraction: Europe’s only indoor “Tornado Tantrum” slide. The thrilling 30 second slide, which was imported from Canada, can be enjoyed by up to four people at once.

Phil McEwan, the managing director of Ogilvie Construction – the main contractor on site – said: “It’s great to see the Time Capsule operational again and being a huge hit with families. This major refurbishment project breathed new life into the complex, making one of Scotland’s most popular leisure centres even more popular than ever.

“The project, which was completed just before Christmas, made major enhancements to the leisure facilities on offer – and also upgraded the plant and structures behind the scenes. Here at Ogilvie, we drew on our considerable experience in the leisure sector to deliver the enhancements on time and on budget and were delighted to be a part of this prestigious project.

“We wish North Lanarkshire Council, the Trust operating the centre, and the staff and customers at The Time Capsule every success for the future.”

The centre – one of the busiest leisure pools in Scotland – was re-opened by Tom Curley, the Provost of North Lanarkshire Council (which owns the building) on January 14.

Provost Curley said: “The Time Capsule looks fantastic and it’s great credit to everyone who worked hard to make it happen. It has a proud past and can look forward to an exciting future thanks to the improvements that have been made. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for making it such a success and look forward to seeing the centre continue to develop and the plans for the ice-rink coming to fruition.”

The new centre has proved to be a hit with the public, boasting over 40,000 visits since the first phase of works were completed in December 2010. This represents an increase of 130 per cent on the same period last year.

In addition to the Tornado Tantrum ride, there’s also Splashdown Island, an interactive play area. It features Scotland’s “largest tipping bucket”, which takes seven minutes to fill before unleashing up to two tons of water on swimmers below.

Councillor Jim Logue, who chairs the Time Capsule Trust, said the Time Capsule attracts people from all over the UK.

He said: “We’ve set an ambitions target one million visitors this year, so naturally we’re delighted that so many people have visited in the opening weeks. Local people have been enjoying the new facilities too, and we’ve noticed many people with young families using it during the day.

“It’s important to remember that this is just phase one of the improvements. We’ll soon be starting work on the refurbishment of the ice rink and have plans to include a health suite.”

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ABOVE: Phil McEwan (first left) of Ogilvie Construction at the Time Capsule launch event. Pictures courtesy of North Lanarkshire Council.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact

For Ogilvie Construction:
– Adrian Mahoney, PR Consultant for Ogilvie Construction
Tel: 01506 823714 or 07967 150560; email: Adrian.mahoney@ogilvie.co.uk

For North Lanarkshire Council:
– Colin Fraser, Media and Communications Officer, North Lanarkshire Council
Tel: 01698 302054; email: FraserCo@northlan.gov.uk
– Sam Clarke, Media and Public Affairs Manager, North Lanarkshire Council
Tel: 01698 302527; email: clarkesam@northlan.gov.uk

construction, leisure, Ogilvie, public sector

Angus splashes out on £9 million pool project

ed

CONSTRUCTION work has started on a £9 million project to create a new swimming pool and sports facility in Montrose in the north of Scotland.

Angus Council marked the commencement of site works by holding a ground-breaking ceremony today (Thursday, March 10, 2011).

Provost Ruth Leslie Melville, joined Louise Martin, chair of sportscotland, and Phil McEwan of contractors Ogilvie Construction at the turf-cutting ceremony. sportscotland will contribute £1 million towards the £9 million cost.

The new swimming pool will be joined to the existing Montrose Sports Centre and will have a main six lane pool, a viewing gallery and a studio pool with a moving floor. The pools will accommodate swimming tuition at all levels, including competitive swimming and training, water polo and play activities.

When completed, the new sports and swimming facility will also have a health suite with sauna, steam room and a relaxation area, a fitness suite and multi-purpose rooms for meetings and training.

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A computer generated image of how the new complex will look. Courtesy of Angus Council.

Provost Leslie Melville said: “I am delighted to mark the beginning of work on this tremendous new facility which, when completed in August 2012 will benefit the whole of Angus and especially the people of Montrose. It will be constructed to a very high standard and will attract visitors into Angus. The pool will encourage people of all ages to keep fit and healthy through swimming and other sports and I am confident that enthusiasts with a diverse range of abilities will enjoy this new pool.”

Phil McEwan, the managing director of Ogilvie Construction, said: “I’m very pleased to see work starting on site. This project will create a fantastic new community facility that has been eagerly awaited by people in the area.

“Ogilvie Construction has a strong background in the leisure sector, and we were delighted to win the contract to build the new pool and the associated fitness facilities.

“Creating this enlarged sports facility will provide a huge boost for local families and – hopefully – encourage everyone to get out and be more active.

“I understand a webcam is being installed so people can keep an eye on the site as work progresses. I hope they’ll be pleased with what they see – and local residents will be delighted with the finished product, due to be launched in the autumn of 2012.”

The project has received endorsement at national level.

sportscotland chair Louise Martin said: “sportscotland has been involved in this project since its inception. It’s great to see work getting underway on-site. We have worked closely with our partners in Angus Council to design a swimming pool that meets the need of the local community, along with making an investment of £1 million from our Sports Facilities Fund.

“The pool signifies a major development for the people of Montrose, and it will offer those in the community new opportunities to take part in sport.”

Scottish Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison said: “I am delighted to see work underway on this exciting project which will be a superb addition to the leisure facilities in Montrose. Having access to a new pool will be a real benefit to the local community – it has been designed with local needs in mind.

“Swimming in Scotland has been a huge success in recent years and we want this to continue. All Scots can be inspired by the 2014 Commonwealth Games to get active and have fun – that way we can Increase participation in sport and deliver a lasting legacy for Scotland.”

** Ogilvie Construction, part of the Ogilvie Group, is one of the leading building firms in Scotland.
Find out more at www.ogilvie.co.uk

** Find out more about the pool project on the Council website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Linda Menzies, public relations officer, Angus Council
T: 01307 476118 E: Menziesl@angus.gov.uk

Adrian Mahoney, the PR Store, for Ogilvie Construction
T: 01506 823714 or 07967 150560
E: adrian@theprstore.net

arts, entertainment, leisure

Comedy festival arrives in Bo’ness

ed

STAND-UP comedy arrives in Bo’ness this weekend as part of the Funny in Falkirk, Central Scotland’s brand-new comedy festival.

Two shows, promising lots of laughs, will take place in Bo’ness Town Hall:

• The Best of Scottish Comedy, on Saturday, July 31 – featuring comedians Bruce Morton, Jojo Sutherland, Bruce Fummey and Billy Kirkwood; and

• Sunday Night Stand-Up, on Sunday, August 1 – putting the spotlight on Bruce Devlin (“a tongue so sharp he could peel a King Edward” says The Scotsman), Raymond Mearns, Anthony Murray and Lucy Oldham.

The shows on both nights start at 8 p.m. in Bo’ness Town Hall; tickets are just £8 each or £7 for concessions.

Buy the Bo’ness tickets at the Inkspot and Silverleaf Booksellers in South Street, Bo’ness; or online via http://www.funnyinfalkirk.com; or by calling 0844 395 4005.

Tickets may also be available on the door.

The new festival, launched with the help of Falkirk Council, has brought a range of Scottish and international acts to Falkirk and surrounding towns. It runs until August 3.

This weekend, Funny in Falkirk will also offer Tam Cowan in Grangemouth (Friday, July 30) and acclaimed star Danny Bhoy in Falkirk Town Hall on Sunday.

Next week sees the festival come to a close with appearances from risqué ventriloquist Nina Conti (at Behind the Wall in Falkirk on Monday); “Mock the Week’s” Andi Osho (at the Argyll’s, Falkirk, on Tuesday); and Stewart Lee (at Behind the Wall on Tuesday).

Full details on all the shows are available now at http://www.funnyinfalkirk.com – and from leaflets available from local outlets.

The festival has been commissioned by the Falkirk Business Improvement District (BID) – which aims to improve and promote Falkirk Town Centre – in conjunction with Falkirk Council.

The Scottish Comedy Agency, the team behind the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, has masterminded the comedy programme.

Bo’ness Councillor Adrian Mahoney, who leads on tourism and economic development on the Council, said:
“I hope people will support the Bo’ness gigs and get along to some of the other shows being staged as part of the festival. There’s still time to pick up tickets.”

construction, leisure, Ogilvie, tourism

Ogilvie helps Sheraton with its Grand designs

ed

A MULTI-MILLION pound refurbishment programme has started at one of Edinburgh’s leading hotels.

The five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, in the west end of the city centre, is undergoing a complete re-design of all its bedrooms and suites, increasing the overall number of rooms to 268 – as well as developing an opulent Grand Suite and exclusive “Club Floor”.

Scottish-based Ogilvie Construction is the main contractor for the project. The programme is being project managed by Currie & Brown.

Work started this month (January 2010) and will phased across different areas of the hotel. The first phase should be completed by April, with all the rooms ready by July 2010.

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Room

Picture shows an example of the new rooms being created at the Edinburgh hotel; courtesy of Sheraton.

Ogilvie Construction managing director Phil McEwan said: “We were delighted to win this contract and are committed to helping Sheraton deliver its amazing vision for its Edinburgh hotel.

“Ogilvie has considerable experience in the hotel and leisure sector, having worked on everything from budget accommodation to five-star properties like the Sheraton Grand.

“We have just started work on site and aim to deliver the project with the minimum level of disruption to guests. The plans are very exciting and I’m sure the finished product will be fantastic.”

The hotel’s general manager, J P Kavanagh, said: “Over the years we have continually invested in the hotel – including the creation of Europe’s most advanced city spa, One Spa, in 2001. However, it is time to completely improve and enhance the rooms’ product with this sizeable investment in Edinburgh’s largest conference hotel.

“As the economy begins to recover, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa will be in an enviable position, poised to leverage our renovated product and offer guests Sheraton’s signature brand offerings at one of Scotland’s leading hotels.

“We are already starting to see growth in occupancy, particularly in the important corporate market which is very encouraging. We look forward to welcoming both former and new guests as we celebrate our 25th year in the city.”

The company says that guest feedback and staff input formed a vital part of the planning process for the refurbishment programme.
The design of the Sheraton Grand’s new rooms has been undertaken by MKV Design, a leading interior design company which services the international hospitality sector.

The refurbished rooms will feature mood lighting, designer bathrooms and
state of the art technology. A Club floor will also be created on the top
floor of the hotel, providing guests with an enhanced level of service and a “hotel within a hotel” concept.

The Sheraton is also creating an imposing Grand Suite – offering spectacular views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Globally, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has invested $6 billion in a multi-billion global revitalisation effort as part of a three-year global overhaul.

For more information on the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa visit http://www.sheratonedinburgh.co.uk

Ogilvie Construction, part of the Ogilvie Group, is one of the leading building firms in Scotland. The privately-owned business has its head office in Stirling, employs more than 400 people and has an annual turnover of around £100 million. It works throughout Scotland and the North of England.

Find out more at http://www.ogilvie.co.uk

FOR OGILVIE CONSTRUCTION – please contact

** Adrian Mahoney, PR Consultant for Ogilvie Construction
Tel: 01506 823714 or 07967 150560; email: Adrian.mahoney@ogilvie.co.uk

** Sue Bowman, Business Development Director, Ogilvie Construction
Tel: 01786 812273; sue.bowman@ogilvie.co.uk

FOR THE SHERATON GRAND HOTEL AND SPA – please contact:

** Ruma Cummins / Leila Frank, Profile Plus
Tel: 0131 554 6111
email: rc@profileplus.co.uk / lf@profileplus.co.uk

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences – including Sheraton. For further information on Starwood Hotels & Resorts, please
contact:

** Sarah-Jane Johnson
Public Relations UK & Ireland, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Tel: 0207 290 7108
Email: sarah-jane.johnson@starwoodhotels.com





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charities, construction, leisure, Ogilvie, public sector, Uncategorized

New £9 million leisure centre to open its doors

ed

A NEW £9 million leisure complex in Lanark is set to open its doors.

The facility – called “South Lanarkshire Lifestyles – Lanark” has been built by Ogilvie Construction for South Lanarkshire Council. It will be operated and maintained by the authority’s leisure partner, South Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd.

The new centre, close to the town’s railway station, will host a drop-in week for local people from January 11. It will become fully operational on January 18.

The stunning new centre includes:

• a 25 metre swimming pool, with floating floor and health suite area
– including a sauna and steam room;
• a hydrotherapy pool with mechanical hoist for easy access;
• a “changing village” with disabled facilities;
• a community café area, serving Starbucks coffee and tasty snacks;
• a spacious modern dance studio with sound system, sprung floor and
mirrored walls; and
• a 30 station brand new fitness gym, with equipment suitable for
users with mobility problems;

The facility has also been linked into the neighbouring Harry Smith Centre, which provides facilities for people with physical and learning disabilities.

Councillor Gerry Convery, who chairs the Council’s community resources committee and South Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd., said: “This is a fantastic facility for the people of Lanark and beyond.

“The variety of leisure services provided in the Lifestyle centre reflect the commitment the Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd., have made to providing high quality facilities.”

Phil McEwan, the managing director of Ogilvie Construction, said: “Work started on site in Spring 2008 – and we’re delighted with the finished result. It’s a stunning complex which I’m sure will be a big hit with local people.

“Ogilvie has a strong track record in this sector, and we’re pleased to have delivered the complex on time and on budget for our client.”

The complex received funding support of £560,000 from sportscotland with the remainder being funded by the Council.

South Lanarkshire Lifestyles – Lanark opens to the public for a preview week from Monday, January 11, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone interested in a tour or induction should call 01555 666800 or 01555 666820 from January 5.

More information is available online at http://www.slleisure.co.uk

Ogilvie Construction, part of the Ogilvie Group, is one of the leading building firms in Scotland. The privately-owned business has its head office in Stirling, employs more than 400 people and has an annual turnover of around £100 million. It works throughout Scotland and the North of England.

Find out more at http://www.ogilvie.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact

– Adrian Mahoney, PR Consultant for Ogilvie Construction
Tel: 01506 823714 or 07967 150560; email: Adrian.mahoney@ogilvie.co.uk

– Sue Bowman, Business Development Director, Ogilvie Construction
Tel: 01786 812273; sue.bowman@ogilvie.co.uk

charities, heritage, leisure, tourism

Town set to celebrate Roman roots

ed

A HISTORIC town is getting set to celebrate its rich, Roman roots.

Talks, movies, an Italian market – and much more – have all been lined up in Bo’ness as part of The Big Roman Week.

Next week’s mini festival has been organised to mark the birthday of Emperor Antoninus Pius, the Roman leader who built the Antonine Wall from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick. The Wall was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site last year. Bo’ness boasts the remains of its own Roman fortlet within Kinneil Estate and has artefacts on display in the neighbouring Kinneil Museum.

The celebratory Week will kick off on Monday, September 14 – with special activities in the Museum, including Roman coin-making for younger visitors. Bo’ness shops are also supporting the event, highlighting Italian and Roman themed products.

On Wednesday, September 16, the historic Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness will showcase a 1960 film about the Antonine Wall – with a real-life introduction from Falkirk Council’s archaeologist Geoff Bailey. There will also be a screening of the swords and sandals epic, Spartacus, starring Kirk Douglas, on September 19.

Bo’ness Community Council is playing its part, staging a talk on plans to create a new copy of the Bridgeness Roman Distance Slab. The tablet is thought to be one of the best Roman relics in Britain and was found in the Bridgeness area of Bo’ness in the 19th century. (The original is now on show at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.) The community council is hosting a free evening talk in Bo’ness Library on September 17 to outline its proposals to install a proper replica in the town.

The highlight of the Week will be an Italian Market in Bo’ness town centre on Saturday, September 19 (the Emperor’s birthday). Some Roman visitors also plan to make an appearance. The Italian Market will also be at Kinneil Heritage Day on Sunday, September 20 (along with a host of other attractions).

Leaflets promoting the Week are available from Bo’ness Library and online at http://www.kinneil.org.uk/bigromanweek

The festival is idea of the heritage group, The Friends of Kinneil, which runs free open days at historic Kinneil House – itself built on the line of the Antonine Wall.

Chairman Bruce Henderson said: “The Emperor Antoninus Pius was born on September 19, in AD 86, more than 1900 years ago. He extended the Roman Empire into Scotland and was, of course, responsible for ordering the construction of the Antonine Wall, which runs from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick. Parts of the Wall can still be seen at Kinneil Estate, and in other parts of the Falkirk area.

“We thought the Big Roman Week would be a good way to celebrate our Roman origins and make people more aware of how our town became the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.”

Bo’ness Councillor Adrian Mahoney, Falkirk Council’s convener of leisure, tourism and community, said: “Through activities in Kinneil Museum and the Hippodrome, the Council is supporting the Big Roman Week. Something like this helps to promote the fantastic heritage we have in this area and works to attract visitors to the town. Let’s hope this festival is a success and becomes an annual event.”

Councillor Mahoney said he hoped other communities along the line of the Antonine Wall could be involved in future events.

Mary-Jane Armstrong from Town Centre Management added: “This is the first time we’ve brought an Italian Market to Bo’ness. It will be a key part of the Big Roman Week – and we hope it will be popular with local people.”

———————

http://www.kinneil.org.uk/bigromanweek

———————

BIG ROMAN WEEK – BO’NESS – SEPT 14 – 20, 2009

ALL WEEK – Discover Roman artefacts in Kinneil Museum, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness. During The Big Roman Week: special activities for children.
Play Roman board games or design your own personalised Roman coin.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. All children must be accompanied by a supervisory adult. Museum open Monday to Saturday from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (and on Sunday, September 20, for Kinneil Heritage Day). Free.

ALL WEEK – SHOP LIKE ROMANS: Discover Italian and Roman themed products across shops in historic Bo’ness Town Centre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 – FILM: The Antonine Wall (silent), introduced by archaeologist Geoff Bailey. Hippodrome Cinema, Hope Street, Bo’ness. Film starts at 11 a.m. Cafe opens at 10.30 a.m.
Tickets £4.75 (inc. refreshments). Box Office 01324 506850.
http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 – TALK: The Bridgeness Slab. Find out about Bo’ness Community Council’s plans to bring a full-size replica of the Bridgeness Slab – one of the best Roman relics in Britain – to the town. Bo’ness Library (upstairs), Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness. Starts at 7.30 p.m. Free. In association with the National Museums of Scotland and The Friends of Kinneil.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – ITALIAN MARKET: Sample the fare of modern-day Romans on Emperor Antoninus Pius’s birthday. Bo’ness Town Centre, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In association with Bo’ness Town Centre Management.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – FILM: Spartacus (PG). Stanley Kubrick’s epic
(3 hrs) Roman movie. Starring Kirk Douglas. Hippodrome Cinema, Hope Street, Bo’ness. Film starts 2.30 p.m. Ticket price £5 (conc. £3.75).
Box Office 01324 506850. http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – KINNEIL HERITAGE DAY, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness.
Visit Kinneil Museum to find out about the Romans and see the Italian Market in the Estate. Historic Kinneil House (on the line of the Roman Antonine Wall) will also be open until 4 p.m. Plus lots of other family fun. Event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. See a full timetable here.

The Big Roman Week has been organised by The Friends of Kinneil in conjunction with Falkirk Council, Town Centre Management and Bo’ness Community Council.