The Ark
A Community Café and Leisure Destination in the heart of Poole Park
Located in Poole’s scenic Grade II Listed park, ‘The Ark’ is a destination for family recreation. The project’s goal was to transform this significant public building into a contemporary, dynamic facility. The outcome is a reimagined space that delivers fun, functionality, and a sense of place for the community.
Project Directors: Sean Daly, Ryan Martin
Project Leads: Britt Crayston, Mark Senior
Planning Consultant: DMW
Contractor: Greendale Construction
Materials, colours, and finishes were carefully selected to evoke a sense of warmth and playfulness. The concept of transparency and openness is central to the design, with large glazed areas offering views of the surrounding parkland and lake, connecting visitors with the natural beauty of the site. The juxtaposition of modern and historical elements reinforces the story of continuity and transformation.
The spatial organisation of the leisure centre was carefully considered to promote easy flow and accessibility. Public areas, such as the café and ice rink, are centrally located, creating a natural gathering space. Smaller, more private zones, like the children’s play area, are placed toward the periphery, ensuring a sense of privacy while still being accessible. The scale of the additions respects the original building’s proportions, while the use of voids and glazing helps expand the space and create a sense of airiness.
Given the compressed 8-week timeline, construction had to proceed at an accelerated pace while maintaining quality and efficiency. Prefabricated elements, such as the ice rink infrastructure and café extensions, were integrated into the design to speed up the construction process. DMW worked closely with the main contractor to ensure streamlined coordination and timely delivery, balancing design quality with practicality. Sustainability was a key focus, with photovoltaic panels added to the building’s roof to generate renewable energy for the ice rink’s cooling systems.