Slough Borough Council converted part of an underutilized community center into an Early Years Centre to provide childcare for the local area. The design team created a learning environment tailored for young children, focusing on layout, equipment, and outdoor play spaces. The project was a success and led to further investment and expansion of the community center to include a library and community rooms.

1. Case Study

3. Introduction
An integral element of Slough Borough Council’s budget strategy in
the short and medium term relates to strategic asset management.
Their innovative approach in considering alternative uses of their
existing property portfolio is delivering impressive results. This
shift from the traditional to more contemporary practice provides a
route to continue capital investment in regeneration and community
improvements during the current turbulent financial climate.
The transformation programme, now firmly embedded in the
Council’s asset management strategy, began with a plan to convert
part of a run down community centre into an Early Years Centre.
The community centre was under utilised but offered the space
to provide broader community benefit. An existing nursery facility
nearby struggled with poor accommodation and lack of space. The
community centre provided the perfect location to provide the
local Chalvey area with an exemplar teaching and family facility for
children under 5. The success of the project is unprecedented and
has driven a further phase of investment utilising just 50% of the
original capital allocation.
Against a background of competitive tender, Paragon was set the
challenge to create a learning environment from a child’s point
of view. The in-house Paragon design team considered layout,
equipment, workplace environments and standards of care and
education of children under 5 and their families. Where possible,
steps were taken to ensure sustainable materials were used and
energy efficiency was improved. The design offered flexibility and
the potential for future development. In particular, the children’s
rooms and outdoor play spaces were capable of multiple uses.
This scheme represents a part of the massive refurbishment of the
Community Centre. Following the success of the Early Years project
Paragon has been instructed to undertake the design and fit out
of the remainder of the building, creating a new self service local
library and modern well equipped learning and community rooms.

4. Client
Slough Borough Council
Chalvey Early Years Centre
Location
The Green,
Slough,
Berkshire,
SL1 2SP

5. Scope of Works
off site
Building analysis
Full architectural and structural design
Access statement
Listed approvals
Bespoke procurement
Cost management
Detailed programming
Reconfiguration of site boundaries and
site drainage
Installation of new utilities
Full fit out with special kit play items
New front curtain walling

6. Client Contacts
Julie Evans
Strategic Director of Resources
julie.evans@slough.gov.uk
Diane Lister
Head Teacher, Chalvey EYC
diane@chalveyeyc.slough.sch.uk
Clair Pyper
Strategic Director of Education and
Children’s Services
clair.pyper@slough.gov.uk

7. Scope of Works
on site
Breakout areas
Childrens toilets, changing areas and
washing facilities
Kitchen/ catering facilities
HVAC installation
Security installation
IT facilities
Communication and sound systems
Staff room and medical room
Flooring and Lighting
Signage and Graphics
All furniture and decoration
Bespoke joinery
External landscaping including car parks
Outdoor play area

8. Timescales
Design and procurement
- 6 weeks
Project management, fit-out and
installation
- 12 weeks
Project Size
7,000 ft2
Project Value
Circa £990,000
Contract Type
JCT 2005 Rev.2 2009 Design and Build

9. Project Details
• Important aspects of the design have
been developed through ‘the eyes
of a child’ with potential for future
development/adaptation
• Design features and use of colours
would encourage creative play, are
durable, cost effective, easy clean and
low maintenance
• The scheme provides a modern, fit for
purpose centre that could provide a 30
year maintainable “life”
• The scheme is safe and secure for
children and all other users
• Attention has been paid to areas
for children with special educational
needs, playing particular attention to
design details in the flooring and on
the walls
• The car park design incorporates 40
staff spaces and 6 visitors parking
spaces including disabled bays.
The car park entrance was moved to
ensure it is seen from the main office
ensuring children’s safety at all times.

12. Paragon Interiors Group Plc
Head Office
Paragon House | Orchard Place | Nottingham Business Park | Nottingham | NG8 6PX
t: 0115 951 9512 f: 0115 951 9513
Manchester Office
Belvedere Building | Booth Street | Manchester | M2 4AW
t: 0161 235 0800
w: www.paragoninteriors.biz