Duncan Richardson
Strategic Commissioner & Partnership Development Manager
Ian Lamb
Orford Park Technical Project Manager
Simon Harrison
Orford Park Project Engagement Officer
Dave Maskery
Project Service Development Officer
Alison Harbidge
Orford Park Project Support Officer
Duncan Richardson
Strategic Commissioner & Partnership Development Manager
How did you come to be involved?
I became involved in the project in 1998 when the Orford Councillors were looking to establish a "one stop shop" in the area. I produced the Leisure Facilities Strategy in 2006 which identified Orford Park as a key development in the future delivery of services. In the summer of 2006 I took the role of Project Manager and have been responsible for getting the project to delivery stage.
How long have you been involved?
12 Years
What was/were your previous role(s)?
I joined Warrington in 1989 as Leisure Manager, have Strategic Lead for facility development and links with major funding agencies, securing funding for Victoria Park Skatepark, Birchwood LTC, Victoria Park Athletics Track and supported voluntary clubs to secure funding for developments. I also managed the Sports Development Service until taking the role to deliver Orford Park
What are your hopes and ambitions for the Orford Park Project?
I want to see Orford Park make a real difference to the local community delivering the best possible facilities for community, leisure, learning and health making the building a focus for local people where they will have fun with their families and get help or advice.
Orford Park will also become a destination for Warrington and the sub region, the high quality facilities will be used by all ages and abilities.
Orford Park is also a development of National significance, as the first sustainable Community Sports Hub, the rest of the country will be watching how we deliver this exciting opportunity which will be a legacy for the 2012 Olympic Games in Warrington and the North West.
Ian Lamb
Orford Park Technical Project Manager
How did you come to be involved?
I was specifically recruited from outside the Council to be the Orford Park Technical Project Manager.
How long have you been involved?
2 years
What was/were your previous role(s)?
I had been a private practice construction project manager for 12 years acting on behalf of private and public sector clients on projects ranging from £500k to £140m. I have been responsible for projects including the Imperial War Museum North, Salford’s Media City Studio Block, Leeds University's Sports Science Department Block, several college and high school sports centres, and the redevelopment of Roundhay Park in Leeds. Prior to this I was a private practice chartered quantity surveyor for eight years responsible for cost managing projects.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the Orford Park Project?
Firstly to ensure that Orford Park exceeds the expectations of all current and future stakeholders, the local and wider community and the Council in the quality and range of facilities that will be on offer.
I would like the Park to become a nationally recognised public sector project both in terms of what has been provided and how the facility will be operated.
My aim is to ensure that the facility achieves extremely high value for money, has a high build quality which will incorporate sustainable technology and materials, will be easily maintained and have low running costs so that more of the income generated can be channelled into making continuous improvements.
Lastly, the park is aimed at all members of the public and will exclude no one therefore my hope is that having built this facility it will be used to its maximum potential for many years to come.
Simon Harrison
Orford Park Project Engagement Officer
How did you come to be involved?
I was working for WBC as a Community Development Officer for Food and Health. I had a programme of work with Sandy Lane Children’s Centre designing and delivering cooking classes for parents who used the centre, designed to educate and inform how to cook healthy meals on a budget. I was in a meeting with Debbie Beesley, assistant head of centre at Sandy Lane, and she mentioned she had seen the post advertised on the borough website. I have known Debbie for several years and she knew I had a background in sports studies, education and health promotion and thought the job description was ideal for me.
How long have you been involved?
I started this post in October 2009 just as the park was starting to be delivered so there was quite a buzz about the project. This meant I hit the road running as things started to move quickly. The time has flown as every day is a new challenge with a diverse workload to contend with.
What was/were your previous role(s)?
I moved to the area 4 years ago and the first job I got was working for WBC with Tina Cross and the Play Service. Myself and a colleague drove a van full of play equipment round the various parks in Warrington engaging children and young people to do arts, crafts, sports and games to give children something to do during the summer holidays. After the summer break I left Warrington to work in education in Widnes in a high school. After just one year I moved again to work with teenagers in Knowsley in health promotion. After 2 years I came back to Warrington to work in community development, continuing with health promotion and specialising on food and diet. During this post I had the opportunity to work closely with the weight management service at NHS Warrington to deliver extremely successful and popular events through partnership working.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the Orford Park Project?
The Orford Park Project is a blueprint for health and wellbeing centres of the future. There are similar style projects being delivered elsewhere in the country, but nothing on this scale. It is my hope that a successful launch is followed by an extremely well used centre that sets the benchmark for future builds. Secondary, after a few successful years it’s my ambition to see significant positive changes in the health inequalities for the communities of Warrington, including a reduction in CVD, Cancer and an Increase in life expectancy. Due to the high quality of services the Orford Park project will deliver I believe it to be a key part of the council’s ambitions that by 2030, Warrington will be recognised as one of the best places to live and work in the UK, where everyone enjoys an outstanding quality of life.
Dave Maskery
Project Service Development Officer
How did you come to be involved?
I was offered the role of Project and Service Development Officer due to my long standing involvement in sports development. It was felt that my knowledge of local, regional and national sport issues would be valuable to the project.
How long have you been involved?
I have been involved with the project since August 2008
What was/were your previous role(s)?
My previous role was Sports Development Manager for Warrington Borough Council and prior to that Tennis Development Officer
What are your hopes and ambitions for the Orford Park Project?
My hope is that the facilities will be well used by the immediate local community and be a catalyst to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Alison Harbidge
Orford Park Project Support Officer
How did you come to be involved?
I was looking for a new job as the company I was working for was moving to Manchester, and when I saw the role advertised I applied immediately as with my background in working for construction/regeneration, and also being involved in the development of the New Town in Warrington with the Development Corporation, I wanted to be involved in such an exciting project as I have an interest in the ongoing development of Warrington and the benefits that the project will bring not just to the local community but Warrington as a whole
How long have you been involved?
Since in June 2009
What was/were your previous role(s)?
For the last 10 years I was a PA to MD of construction/regeneration companies – prior to that worked for a housing association and also Warrington-Runcorn Development Corporation
What are your hopes and ambitions for the Orford Park Project?
For this flagship development to bring positive benefits to the local community by increasing their well being and empowerment and to provide excellent sport, leisure, health, education and lifelong learning facilities that can be used by all residents of Warrington. I would like to see a vibrant and well-used building that will be used as a blueprint for other such facilities throughout the Borough and also used nationally.