Center Parcs, Elveden Forest

The existing flat roofing had developed multiple points of water ingress, largely linked to the poor installation of a Fatra single ply waterproofing system around 20 years earlier. Over time, several unsuccessful repair attempts had worsened the problem, increasing water ingress and leaving areas of insulation degraded and detailing defective.

The roofscape was particularly challenging due to its layout, varying levels and restricted working access. It wrapped around different areas of the building and contained extensive mechanical and electrical plant that needed to remain operational throughout the refurbishment. This meant the works could not rely on straightforward isolation or shutdown, requiring careful sequencing and constant coordination with Center Parcs’ site team.

As a live leisure environment, Elveden Forest also presented operational pressures beyond the technical condition of the roof. The Sports Plaza and surrounding facilities remained in daily use by guests, so the refurbishment had to be delivered without compromising safety, comfort or the premium guest experience associated with Center Parcs.

Central delivered the flat roofing refurbishment using a 20-year Bauder Thermofol single ply PVC waterproofing system. The system was selected for its lightweight construction, flame-free installation, heat-welded seams and long-term durability, making it well suited to an operational roof with restricted access and substantial rooftop plant.

The existing failing roof areas were stripped back and replaced with a complete Bauder roofing build-up, including insulation. The Thermofol membrane was installed as an adhered system, with welded joints and carefully formed detailing around upstands, penetrations, service interfaces and equipment zones. Its polyester cross-weave reinforcement, UV stability, chemical resistance and fire performance provided a robust solution for a roof exposed to weather, woodland debris, maintenance traffic and complex plant arrangements.

Close collaboration with Bauder supported quality throughout the project. Central’s Bauder-approved operatives installed the system in line with manufacturer guidance, including hot air welding, fleece-backed membrane installation and complex two- and three-dimensional detailing. Bauder provided technical support, stage inspections and final sign-off, with 54 site inspections formally reported during the installation period. The completed works achieved a 20-year product and workmanship guarantee.

Alongside the waterproofing works, Central also addressed wider roof performance and safety requirements. This included installing a complete new lightning protection system after the existing system was found to be incorrectly functioning and lacking a proper grounding connection.

The main challenge was delivering a technically demanding roof refurbishment above a live, high-footfall holiday environment. Center Parcs operates 365 days a year, with guest changeovers and activities running throughout the week. Works therefore had to be planned around strict operating procedures, limited working hours, noise controls, enhanced health and safety requirements and the need to protect the surrounding natural environment.

Central acted as Principal Contractor and implemented a clear management structure, including a Contracts Manager, Site Supervisor and Safety Coordinator. Daily Safe Start briefings, mandatory inductions, permit-to-work systems and sign-in procedures kept all personnel aligned and accountable. Site-specific risks, including working at height, falling materials, plant movement and weather exposure, were controlled through scaffold systems, parapet edge protection, exclusion zones, hoists, banksman supervision and strict stop-work thresholds.

Protecting the guest experience was central to the delivery strategy. Sensitive areas were identified through joint surveys with the client, allowing works to be phased around occupancy levels and guest use. Deliveries and plant movements were restricted to designated service routes and agreed times, while noisy works were scheduled to minimise disruption. At high-profile areas, including active access points, bespoke scaffold arrangements allowed the works to continue safely while guest routes remained open.

Additional measures were introduced to keep the site visually controlled and aligned with Center Parcs’ brand standards. Pre-finished plyboard screening, enclosed scaffold structures, debris netting, visually enhanced cladding, branded graphics and hoardings helped conceal the works from guest areas and maintain a clean, professional environment.

Despite the restricted access, complex M&E interfaces and live operational setting, the project was delivered safely, with zero incidents recorded on site. The completed refurbishment transformed a failing roof into a durable, high-performance waterproofing system, while maintaining the safety, appearance and guest experience of one of the UK’s busiest leisure environments.