Steven Hunt Associates was appointed by operator OnSide to look after the mechanical and electrical engineering elements of The HIVE, a multimillion-pound youth zone in Birkenhead.

A Liverpool mechanical and engineering specialist has has completed £1.7m of work on Wirral’s new multimillion-pound youth zone, The HIVE.

The £6m HIVE is a new youth centre in Birkenhead, owned by National charity OnSide Youth Zones, and offers a wide range of sporting, artistic, cultural, physical and recreational activities for young people aged eight to 19 years.

Steven Hunt Associates was appointed by OnSide to look after the mechanical and electrical engineering elements of the project.

It provided performance level drawings and specifications and were retained throughout the build to monitor the design and on site installation during the construction stage.

The building has been fitted with photovoltaic cells on the roof to generate its own electricity.

The HIVE has a 3G rooftop kick pitch, entrance lobby, meeting rooms, café, kitchen, sports hall, 28ft high climbing wall, four court sports hall and high spec fitness suite, boxing, film and multi-media suite incorporating a dedicated music suite, sound and radio booth, performing arts studio, music room, changing facilities, arts and crafts and general office accommodation and welfare facilities.

Managing director of Steven Hunt Associates, Steve Hunt, said: “Being involved in a project from initial stage to completion allowed us to tailor the mechanical and electrical engineering elements of the building to the exact needs of the client and end users, for example the fitting of photovoltaic cells on the roof was an important element in ensuring the building had a positive impact on the environment and reduced utility expenditure in the long term.”