Category: Building Project

Project Update – June 2020

You may not be surprised to learn that all aspects of our building project have been affected by necessary measures to contain the coronavirus.

We have continued to make progress using technology, however, a delay to the project start date (originally planned to be the beginning of June) has proved inevitable whilst work to support each other in our local communities during the crisis has increased.

The latest news is as follows

  • We are delighted to say the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) have now provided us with written confirmation of their support for the project.
  • Tenders from 4 companies were received and reviewed by our quantity surveyor, architects and the building committee. Following clarification of some queries, architects recommended a preferred bidder. This recommendation is supported by the Building Committee and has been accepted by the PCC.
  • Unfortunately, all tenders exceed our budget by a substantial margin, leaving a shortfall of between £400,000 and £500,000, including VAT (some of which is likely to be re-claimed, see ‘next steps’ below) and fees.

Next steps

As we continue to pray for wisdom (and urge you to do the same, please), these are as follows:

  • Via our architects, advise our preferred bidder of our intention to appoint them to the project.
  • Discuss how we set priorities for the project (some parts will have to be deferred to a later phase to stay within budget) and deliver it most efficiently and cost effectively. We plan to have these discussions during the coming month with a possible start date on site in September assuming construction can proceed safely within rules for social distancing and hygiene.
  • Submit grant applications to help with all possible aspects of the project, including large items such as the external stonework and the new extension which will provide us with toilets at the church.
  • Begin planning a fundraising initiative to reduce the shortfall and complete as much of the project as possible.
  • Reclaim VAT where possible.