Gym goers are able to enjoy enhanced kit and a bigger area to keep fit after Active Blackpool’s Moor Park Health & Leisure Centre at Bispham underwent a major facelift carried out by leading Blackpool construction company Evolution.

Ben Reader, Evolution Contracts Manager, who led the project, said: “We are all really proud of the work we have done at Moor Park Leisure Centre. It’s been a complete refurbishment and we are really impressed with the way it looks.”

Work at the Bristol Avenue centre involved stripping out the existing gym, breaking into other parts of the building to extend the area for final fit out, and creating two new consultation rooms in the centre’s Active Wellbeing Suite.

The refurbishment of the centre began on June 1 and has been completed two weeks ahead of the planned 12-week schedule.

Ben said: “It was a real team effort – with our bricklayers, joiners, plumbers, electricians and floorers all involved. We have had about 36 people working on the project and I have been really impressed with everyone involved.”

During the work, a temporary gym was set up in the Sports Hall and a temporary Active Wellbeing Suite located in the centre’s meeting room.

Now the work has been completed six new pieces of EGYM kit and nine new pieces of Matrix kit, plus replacements for some of the centre’s older kit, have been installed so gym goers can enjoy even better strength and cardio workouts.

Cllr Matthew Thomas, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted to see Moor Park’s gym back open. Staying active is vital and I am proud that Blackpool has spaces like this for residents to feel inspired to get active and stay active. To have a space filled with the best equipment and skilled, knowledgeable staff who understand the challenges people may face when walking through those doors is something we should all be proud of.”

Martin Cardwell, Active Blackpool’s Operations Manager, said: “The gym at Moor Park is Active Blackpool’s busiest gym, and we recognised the need to improve the experience for all our members at this facility.

“Working within the building’s existing footprint, we identified that by incorporating corridor and storage space into the gym and reconfiguring it, we can provide a bigger and better environment for members to work out in.

“The work to create two new consultation rooms in the Active Wellbeing Suite provides much needed space for the Exercise Referral team to meet privately with members.”

Blackpool Council Service Manager Property and Capital Works, Martin Turley, said: “The Property Team have designed a fantastic refurbishment with the aim of modernising the gym and creating a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone who uses it. The end result really speaks for itself. We’re delighted with the transformation and the difference it makes to the space.”

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The Wedding Chapel, which has hosted more than 6,000 weddings since it first opened almost 15 years ago, is shining bright again on Blackpool promenade opposite the resort’s world-famous Tower after an impressive refurbishment.

Blackpool building company Evolution carried out work on the roof of the Wedding Chapel, known for its stand-out architectural design.

Ben Reader, Evolution’s Contracts Manager who led the work, said: “The Wedding Chapel has a really striking design with an overhanging cantilevered balcony. None of our team had worked on anything like it before. It was a really interesting project to be involved in.”

Evolution’s team, including two apprentices and site manager Leon Iddon, carried out the work before new steelwork was added, the reroofing completed, and new glazing inserted.

Ben said: “Once the glass was all in, we returned to site to install all the composite decking. So we were the first team on site and the last team off it. It was very satisfying to have been there at the beginning and be back there to complete it.”

The 629m² building, which features a restaurant as well as the wedding venue, is an architectural landmark, designed by dRMM and gaining a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Award in 2012. 

The Wedding Chapel, which is part of Festival House, is set to celebrate its 15^th anniversary of its opening in December.

It was on January 12, 2012, that the first couple exchanged their vows at the chapel. Since then more than 6,000 couples have married at the iconic venue, including approximately 400 couples last year and more than 250 so far this year.

Couples come from all over the UK, from up in Scotland and down in Devon, and even worldwide, to get married at the famous chapel.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, added: “Festival House is part of our growing offer for couples who want to get married here, either as locals or because Blackpool holds a special place in their hearts. We’re continually investing in the building so that hundreds more couples can get married here in the future.

“As we complete maintenance contracts, we are always keen to make sure that Blackpool businesses, employing Blackpool people, are given the chance to do the work, boosting our economy and giving local people quality work and apprenticeships, knowing that they will work that little bit harder on making their hometown better.”

Anyone interested in getting married at Blackpool’s Wedding Chapel is asked to get in touch at ceremonies@blackpool.gov.uk

Find out more about the Wedding Chapel here: Your Wedding

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Warren Kashem always dreamed of becoming an electrician. But his chances of realising his ambitions looked to have hit a wall when his autism meant he struggled to attend mainstream school.

Warren was referred to the Athena School in Blackpool, run by Educational Diversity, an alternative provision for students who find conventional education settings challenging. 

He got his big break in Year 10 when bosses at Blackpool business Evolution saw a spark in him and offered him work experience in its electrical division.

Warren performed so well that he was offered an electrical apprenticeship, and on Friday (June 12), was invited to speak to business, education and government leaders.

The Aspiring Pathways programme, delivered by The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) – the national body for careers education – is backed by £8.5 million of Department for Education funding to deliver access to high-quality work experience for young people in Alternative Provision (AP).

At Friday’s launch of the programme held at Educational Diversity in Blackpool, Warren featured in a panel discussion on how young people in alternative provision can overcome barriers to taking part in meaningful work experience.

In Year 10, Warren started his one-day-a-week work experience with Evolution, upping to two days the following year. His renewed focus and enthusiasm for the world of work led to improved school attendance.

The inclusive and supportive work environment at Evolution helped bring Warren out of his shell, allowing his true personality to shine through.

He impressed the company’s senior leadership team so much that he was awarded a four-year electrical apprenticeship and is now studying at Blackpool and The Fylde College, while working at Evolution.

Evolution’s Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald said: “Warren has faced big challenges in his life and he has shown great courage and determination to overcome them. We’re so glad and so proud to see him blossom and thrive in this way.

“We hope his story and his experiences can inspire others about what it’s possible to achieve, and that work experience really can be that step towards a brighter future.

“We are committed to giving young people a good start in life, nurturing their talents and inspiring them to hopefully have long and successful careers in the construction industry.”

Warren said his work experience at Evolution made a big impact on him.

“It was good to get out of school and see first-hand how the world of employment worked,” he said.

“I really admire Evolution’s professionalism, their quality of work and how welcoming they are as a team. I’m excited to continue working at the company and eventually become a qualified electrician.”

Alan Milburn’s recently published report, Young People and Work, identifies work experience as vital for building confidence, skills and access to employment. It highlights that young people in the highest need areas are the least likely to access these opportunities, with many NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people reporting no work experience at all. Barriers include limited employer availability, school capacity, transport, SEND/additional needs, and safeguarding requirements.

Research shows that two in five young people in AP do not progress to a positive destination after Year 11, compared with fewer than one in ten in mainstream education.

The programme launch highlighted the positive impact of work experience on young people’s skills, confidence and sense of belonging in the workplace and emphasised the role employers play in supporting young people and creating meaningful opportunities.

Speaking at the launch event were John Yarham, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company; Mo Isap OBE, Board member, The Careers & Enterprise Company, and CEO, IN4 Group; and Baasit Siddiqui, Educator and Speaker, Director, Siddiqui Education.

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The Manor, from its base in the grounds of Manor Beach Primary School in Cleveleys, brings together services and organisations for all ages with a focus on Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing, Family, Education, and Carers.

Here at Evolution we were only too pleased to get involved and to donate the time and materials to fully decorate the centre and to repair the flooring. Evolution team members Paul Woolford and Matt Sheard did a great job.

Denise Lowe, founder of Connectiverse which runs The Manor & Community Hub, highlighted the positive impact the work will have on so many people across the area.

“People don’t realise how much time people give and go above and beyond, and just how much difference that makes to an organisation like ours which is all about collaboration across the community.

“JJ Fitzgerald (Evolution MD) has donated all the time he spends chairing our steering committee and project managing the build work.

“Evolution has also donated any time its team have spent on the project and also donated all the materials they have used.

“Not just that, but Dan Ogden has been amazing helping us with costings and quality control for the work needed, and Dave Spalding supported us at our launch. So many of the Evolution team have been involved and have been a delight to work with.”

“People might not think about what comes from a business donating three days of work repairing and decorating our building. It has a huge positive impact on what we can achieve for the community. We can’t thank JJ, Jenny and the Evolution team enough.

“We were not due to open until September. But people in the community needed something immediately. We had the space right now. So, we decided to fast-track it.

“It was a case of right place right time. With Evolution’s help we made it all happen in just one week – and so The Manor was born.”

It means we have space one available to be used by people in our communities for sessions and activities with all The Manor’s founding partners, Blackpool Volunteers Organisation; Blackpool and Fylde College; Aiming Higher; Lancashire Mind; Lancashire Family Hubs Network; Lancashire County Council, Wyre Council, Empowerment Charity, NHS Enhanced Primary Care and Malit.

“All our partners can hold sessions within that space. Blackpool and Fylde College for example has fantastic campuses, but for some people it’s just not possible to attend them, whether that’s because of childcare, inclusion and their own needs, or because they don’t have the confidence to enter such a large building.

“This space allows place-based learning in the community and enables them to enter an environment where they are more comfortable to take their first steps.

“There are examples of people who are unable to read and write attending a space like this and ultimately going onto complete degrees. It’s great for the community to have this place-based option.”

“The hub provides services for an age range covering pre-birth to 99 plus; pre-birth for parents; toddler groups to young people; early interventions for people struggling to access support for work; preventative health and wellbeing; Inclusion and education support all the way through to 99 plus. We can see it works. We know exactly where to signpost people whatever their needs, and with strong partnership working across three council borders we understand the complexity that the community in the immediate locality face. More so we understand the challenge this presents to many services and their welcoming of an impartial and connected space where they can connect their clients to relevant services.”

To complete work at the Manor – and open spaces two and three in September – the hub needs more help.

Denise said: “We have further partner service excited to settle into spaces two and three, however we really need for an organisation to supply and fit a disabled-access toilet, knock down some doorways, and decorate the walls.” To help please contact Denise on denise@connectiverse.co.uk

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Evolution apprentice plasterer Paige Thomas already has her sights set on inspiring more women into the construction industry after featuring in a national skills campaign.

Paige, 18, has been chosen as one of the stars of an industry campaign aimed at young people.

Blackpool-based Paige was taking part in the regional qualifiers of the SkillBuild competition at Burnley College earlier this week.

Ahead of the event, organisers the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), were so impressed with the way Paige is already inspiring other girls and young women to pursue careers in construction, that they chose her to feature in a video campaign.

Paige was one of only four young people to win through and be selected for filming from 40 applicants to a SkillBuild competition to follow their skills journey,

Paige said: “My dad is a builder and I learned from him from a young age. Now I am working in the industry I want to inspire more young girls to follow in my footsteps. I hope the video helps achieve that.

“Working with Evolution is fantastic. I love it. I really enjoy the work and improving my skills.”

Kirsty King, CITB product developer, said: “The way Paige comes across in the video is really inspiring.

“Her story of following her dad into the construction industry and wanting to inspire more women to work in construction is fantastic. We hope it inspires other people as much as it inspires us.” 

Paige joined Evolution in September after bosses were so impressed with her skills when they attended a workshop event set up by Blackpool and The Fylde College.

It was as a direct result of that event that Evolution was able to offer Paige, who at the time had just completed her Level 2 qualifications, an apprentice opportunity. 

Evolution Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald is passionate about giving young people a better start in life and supports a range of pioneering training and employment initiatives.

JJ said: “Paige is a great role model for any young person wanting to get into the construction industry. We hope doing this video – and the way she has done such a superb job of sharing her story – will inspire others to follow her lead.” 

Paige was this week among 77 young people competing in one of 16 SkillBuild regional qualifiers in her own specialism of plastering. 

She now faces an anxious wait to find out whether she is one of only eight plasterers from the whole of the country to win through to compete in the national SkillBuild finals at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes from November 18-21. 

JJ said: “Whatever the outcome Paige has already done herself, family and friends, and all her colleagues, proud.

“Here at Evolution we are always delighted to help young people develop their skills and forge a successful career path in the construction industry.”

Photos/Video

Apprentice Paige Thomas, who works for Blackpool construction company Evolution, has been taking part in SkillBuild after featuring in a nationwide industry campaign.

Video of Paige Thomas produced byConstruction Industry Training Board (CITB) as part of SkillBuild programme.

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We received the awards at the Lancashire Skills Pledge celebration which took place at County Hall in Preston earlier this month.

Our degree apprentice Dan Ogden received a “Become An Apprenticeship Ambassador” award for his work in inspiring the next generation about skills and apprenticeships.

Dan, an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, has attended several events in schools across Lancashire in the last 12 months sharing his own experiences with young people and answering their questions about apprenticeships.

After picking up his award Dan said: “It felt really good to be recognised for what I and Evolution are doing in trying to inspire young people.

“I hope the events I have attended and the conversations and discussions we have had have led to some young people to want to take up an apprenticeship in whatever industry or career excites them.”

Evolution was also presented with a certificate for its commitment to promoting and developing skills in the county.

Our Helpdesk, Fleet and HR Manager Dave Spalding collected our certificate on behalf of the company.

Dave said: “Here at Evolution we offer a range of apprentice opportunities to help young people get a foot on the ladder in the construction industry.

“We also organise a range of skills events helping people of all ages across our communities to upskill in DIY and other construction skills.

“We are delighted to once again be recognised, along with a range of other businesses in diverse sectors across the county, for our commitment to the Lancashire Skills Pledge.”

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, director of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub who run the Lancashire Skills Pledge programme, said: “We are delighted to have been able to recognise Evolution for their continued commitment to apprenticeships and to present Daniel with the Apprenticeship Ambassador award.

“Year on year we have seen them welcome more and more apprentices to their firm and we very much look forward to seeing this continue for years to come”.

The Lancashire Skills Pledge recognises employers who are committed to inspiring, recruiting and upskilling Lancashire’s people. It is a countywide initiative supported by Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council.

Dan is pictured receiving his award from Cath Robinson, of the Lancashire Work Based Learning Executive Forum.

Dave is pictured receiving Evolution’s certificate from County Councillor Ashley Sutcliffe.

 @LancashireSkillsPledge

#SkillsPledge #UpskillingLancashire #InspiringLancashire #Lancashire

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The public toilets in Garstang were in need of major repair after an accident rendered them unsafe.

The expert Evolution team set about stripping back the building, rebuilding the double skin brickwork, and putting the whole building back to its original state (illustrated in the before and after photos).

We are always happy to put our renovation, repairs, construction and maintenance skills to good use to help out our communities.

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Evolution, which takes pride in delivering quality renovations on social housing, sheltered housing, and private housing is starting a new roofing division after being successful in winning contracts in Blackpool and across the Fylde Coast.

The company, based in Blackpool, and highly respected for supporting communities with a range of pioneering initiatives wherever it operates, is creating career opportunities, including a role to head up its new roofing operation.

Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald said: “Evolution has always been built on the core foundations of providing people with better homes and creating job and career opportunities in the construction industry.

“It’s about changing people’s lives for the better. We renovate houses to give people quality homes and we provide jobs which help people build a better life.

“We are now in a position to offer a fantastic opportunity for someone to come in and join our business and head up and lead our new roofing division. This is a hugely exciting role as it gives someone a chance to help us build this new area of our business from the ground up and be in from the very start. The sky really is the limit.”

Speaking about Evolution’s recent contract success, JJ said: “We are delighted to have been successful in winning major contracts in Blackpool and the surrounding areas.

“As a local Blackpool-based company it gives us enormous pride and satisfaction to serve the Fylde Coast community.

“We care about our people, our places and our planet, and we are proud of how we support communities wherever we work.

“These contract wins enable us to create more job opportunities which further boost the Blackpool economy and, in turn, means we can support even more initiatives in the community.”

Evolution employs up to 80 people renovating private social housing, sheltered housing and private housing across the North of England in Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria.

As well as a Head of Roofing Division, Evolution is also offering immediate career opportunities for electricians and multi-skilled joiners.

Anyone interested in joining the Evolution team is asked to contact recruitment@evolution-ltd.co.uk

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Kiera Downie, 15, from Blackpool has her sights set on making the Great Britain team for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Evolution is the latest company to back Kiera’s career by sponsoring her to help with equipment and travel costs.

Kiera, who trains at Kingscoat Boxing Gym, in Lytham Road, Blackpool and fights in the under 66 kilogram division has already won a host of titles in Britain and Europe, including the National Junior Development Championship, the Manchester Box Cup and the Swedish Box Cup, and has been named in the North West squad, having only had her first bout in March this year.

From South Shore, Blackpool, and a student at Lytham St Annes High School, Kiera’s latest fight saw her win the Women’s Winter Box Cup at Leigh beating Fleur Pearch of Athena Boxing in a unanimous decision in the Junior Class A under 66 kg category. Kiera is trained by her grandad Steve Davis.

Steve said: “Kiera wants to go to the Olympics in Los Angeles and is entering every competition she can to help her to get there.

“We can’t thank Evolution and Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald enough for supporting her with sponsorship. JJ has always backed our boxing and his support is greatly appreciated.

“Any funding Kiera receives goes towards new training equipment and travel costs and takes her a step closer to fulfilling her ambition.”

Our Managing Director JJ said: “At Evolution, whether it’s in work, or outside of work, we try to support initiatives which give young people a positive start in life in the communities where we operate.

“Kiera is one of the brightest young sporting talents in Blackpool and we are delighted to do our bit to try to help her achieve her goals.”

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Connor added: “If anyone was to have a heart attack near the Youth Hub the defibrillator will save vital minutes which could prove crucial. I hope it is never used. But if it is, it could save someone’s life.”

JJ, a trustee of Fleetwood Trust, said: “As soon as I met Connor I was extremely impressed with him and the way he was being so proactive to help the wider community with a fundraising effort which has the potential to save lives.

“Supporting young people and the wider community is at the heart of our ethos at Evolution so we were delighted to be able to help fund this vital defibrillator which is there for any member of the community should they ever need it.”

Charley Wilkinson, CEO of Fleetwood Trust, said: “We are immensely proud of all the young people who make the Youth Hub what it is today, and all our wonderful partners who have helped this amazing transformation of the former hospital.

“To have the support of local businesses like Evolution who have made such a generous donation to ensure that we can install a defibrillator outside the hub is hugely appreciated not only by us, but also by the wider Fleetwood community.”

The defibrillator has been purchased and is set to be installed at Fleetwood Youth Hub in the coming days.

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