Ceiling contractor: Austin Cladding & Ceiling Services Ltd
Architect: NBDA
Type of works: Armstrong's Drywall Grid System installed at complex.

Uttoxeter CineBowl is the first leisure complex of its kind to combine bowling and cinema under one roof. The idea for the building came about from its owner, Malcolm Barrett, who was inspired by a desire to create something special in the town where he was born.

Due to the nature of the building’s purpose, it was vital that any materials used inside it would help to control the sound, preventing any noise from travelling between the cinemas and bowling alleys. The appointed contractor, Austin Cladding & Ceiling Services Ltd, had recently attended a Drywall Grid System demonstration day at CPD distribution in Manchester and realised that their acoustic properties would provide the ideal solution to this problem.

Mark Robinson, Contract Manager for the project, Austin Cladding & Ceiling Services Ltd said: “The specification from the client was to create an acoustic mass barrier so that sound wouldn’t travel between the cinemas and bowling alleys, interrupting either experience. Armstrong’s Drywall Grid System is made up of three layers of plasterboard, making it harder for sound to infiltrate it so it is perfectly matched to a job like the Uttoxeter CineBowl. In addition to this, it is also much quicker to install than a regular ceiling system, and it has reduced the length of the planned programme time by three weeks.”

The Drywall Grid System is a suspension system for plasterboard ceilings. It can be used in flat or curved installations, and also has an option for use in small areas in the industrial and residential spaces. It has a superior load capacity compared to other ceiling systems, which means that less steel is required to support it. This results in a significant reduction in cost and also has a positive long-term impact on the environment.  Also, as well as being used for its acoustic properties, it can be used as insulation. 

David Howard, Financial Director of MJ Barretts (Developments) Ltd, owners of the CineBowl complex, said: “We are delighted with the way the ceilings have turned out, in terms of both the way it looks and also its functionality. There is no sound interference at all between the different areas which is obviously key on a project such as this. The fact that the job was finished three weeks ahead of schedule was also a great bonus for us.”

Melvin Austin, Managing Director Austin Cladding & Ceiling Services Ltd, and who was also involved with the project, commented: “Using the Drywall Grid System for the Uttoxeter CineBowl really has made life much easier for us. The installation process is so simple, but without having to compromise on the end result. It has definitely made fitting this type of ceiling easier and more economical. I have used the system on a number of installations since, and plan to continue to do so wherever possible.” 

Austin Cladding & Ceiling Services were responsible for all the suspended ceilings and partitioning for the developer on this retail site.