St. Bernadette’s Rugby Club

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Transforming a South Bristol Community through the Award-Winning St. Bernadette’s Rugby Club

CLIENT: Bristol City Council
VALUE: £4m
FRAMEWORK: Procure Partnerships Framework

St. Bernadette’s Rugby Club is more than just a sports facility; it’s a beacon of hope and transformation for South Bristol, a community that has faced socio-economic challenges. The project, led by Stepnell, emerged as a crucial investment in an area where opportunities for youth and community engagement were limited. Despite two previous contractors considering the project unfeasible, we embraced the challenge through a direct award via the Procure Partnership Framework, embarking on a year-long collaboration with Bristol City Council and local representatives to bring this ambitious vision to life.

Project Challenges and Approach: The project site was a former school, which had been unused for over a decade. Revitalising this space into a vibrant grassroots rugby facility required not only technical expertise but also a deep commitment to enhancing social value. Our approach was holistic, integrating extensive community engagement, value engineering, and innovative delivery strategies to ensure the project could be completed within budget while maximising benefits for the local community.

Delivering Social Value: Our commitment to social value went far beyond the construction of a new sports facility. By the project’s completion, we had delivered over £5.23 million in social value, significantly exceeding the initial £468k pledged. This impact was felt across various domains:

  • Employment and Training: Local employment was a priority, with a significant portion of the workforce sourced from the community. We also provided training opportunities, with weeks of on-site experience offered to local residents and students. Additionally, 70% of the supply chain spend was directed towards local MSMEs and VCSEs.
  • Community Engagement: The project featured numerous initiatives aimed at improving community health and wellbeing. Nutrition workshops, mock interviews, and CV advice were provided, alongside the creation of a community recipe book, featuring contributions from local programs and students. We also organised a careers fair in collaboration with Bath College and the Department of Works and Pensions, further strengthening ties with the local community.
  • Environmental and Educational Contributions: Our involvement extended to environmental initiatives like wildflower planting and pond clearing, as well as educational talks for bricklaying students at the City of Bristol College. Donations of children’s books, clothing, and materials were made to various local organisations, supporting education and mental health awareness.

Building Community: The project faced challenges, including incidents of theft and vandalism. Our innovative solution was to organise a community barbecue, sponsored by supply chain partners. This event brought together local residents, council members, and sports clubs, fostering a sense of community ownership over the project. Following the event, local crime rates decreased, and residents became actively involved in supporting the project’s progress.

A Legacy of Impact: The completion of St. Bernadette’s Rugby Club marks a turning point for South Bristol. The facility now serves as a hub for local youth, offering a safe space to learn the values of teamwork, community, and sportsmanship—essential tools in building a positive future. Additionally, the project has paved the way for the construction of hundreds of new affordable and social houses in South Bristol by relocating the rugby club from its previous site in Hengrove Park.

Exceeding Expectations: Our work on this project didn’t just meet expectations; it far exceeded them. The project achieved a perfect 45/45 score on its first Considerate Constructors Scheme visit, later rising to 47, recognising the team’s innovation and best practices in community outreach and workforce inclusion. With 99.99% of waste diverted from landfill, the project also set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility.

Conclusion: St. Bernadette’s Rugby Club is a shining example of how construction can serve as a catalyst for community regeneration. Through innovative design, a focus on social value, and a deep commitment to the local community, we have not only delivered a first-class sports facility but has also laid the groundwork for lasting positive change in South Bristol. The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and the impact that thoughtful, community-focused construction can have on society.