The Bridge: Special Edition - 2 June 2005

On 1 June 2005, the various groups involved with the Building Development had a meeting with John Barkley, the Project Director. This Special Edition of The Bridge is to keep the Congregation as informed as possible and it is hoped to produce another later in the summer.

Résumé

Edinburgh City Council planning permission was granted in February 2005. This was subject to five conditions but ultimately only one has proved to be significant, namely that the external steps and retaining wall should be finished in sandstone to match the existing steps and flanking wall. Replacing the steps with a slope to the main entrance would prove less safe and would not accommodate disabled access from the front gate. It has been confirmed that listed building consent is not required.

In addition to the Architect (CRGP Limited) and the Quantity Surveyor (Armour Construction Consultants), a Consulting Engineer (McLay Collier) and Mechanical and Electrical Consultants (Hawthorne Boyle) have been appointed.

Matters presently in hand relate to:

•the application for the building warrant (anticipated in 3-4 weeks);

•the application for the demolition warrant (no difficulties anticipated);

•the condition of the culvert (in good condition but we may need to create new manholes);

•the necessary site and drainage investigations (reports awaited but verbal indications good; depth of foundations to be decided);

•confirmation that the building works will be zero rated for VAT (this is complicated by zero rating is expected to be confirmed); and

•completion of letters of appointment for each member of the professional team to be employed.

A survey has found no evidence of asbestos in any of the three Church buildings and this should make demolition of the Old Hall and the flat roofed section of the Church Hall less difficult.

The Buildings and Identity Committee have been requested to consider including the following items in the Project plans, some of which may not happen because of the cost implications:

•work on the Church Hall to make the retained element wind and watertight;

•disabled access at the side of the Church Hall and the provision of a security gate; and

•a computer system to control timing and temperature of the four separate areas in the new building.

Finally, some essential repairs on the retained Church Hall will be needed to avoid significant continuous expenditure.

Costs and Process

It is still hoped that the final construction cost will be contained within Ł500,000. However, the professional fees, appropriate elements of VAT, and furnishings will now be in addition to this sum. It is, of course, impossible to be certain of the final project cost until the tender process has been completed. Present market conditions favour the construction industry, but we hope for competitive bidding from the six companies being invited to tender.

The contract is due to go to tender on 6th June. Final negotiation will take place early in July, and, after a final cost cutting, the contract should be awarded by the end of July. Six companies are being approached. Work should commence at the start of August. We hope to have the Church itself returned to us by Christmas. The complete Project is expected to take 22 weeks and be completed during January 2006.

Arrangements for alternative accomodation have been publicised in The Bridge (and on the website) and we are very grateful to our friends in St Joseph's for their help and hospitality.

Fundraising

During the Autumn of 2004, congregational meetings were arranged to communicate the reasons for the development and the nature of the proposals. On 31 October 2004, a special congregational meeting voted to proceed with the project.

A fundraising group was set up as a sub-committee of the Buildings and Identity Committee, under the chairmanship of John Barkley. Fundraising materials were delivered to every congregational household by elders.

The response to the Appeal has been outstanding. Ł463,708 (inclusive of gift aid benefits, and the contribution of the Ł125,000 from the Fabric Fund) has been either dontated or pledged. This amounts to 92% of the total estimated construction costs of Ł500,000. Commitments have come from 319 members in 216 households.

After taking account of the Ł125,000 from the Fabric Fund and the 'up front' donations from members, an application to Presbytery has been made for a loan of Ł275,000 from the General Trustees. This loan is to be repaid over seven years. After meeting interest and capital repayments, the present cash flow projection shows a shortfall of Ł75,000 remaining in the middle of year seven, and we will need to address this in some way.

No grant income has been included in these projections, and the shortfall of Ł75,000 will therefore be reduced by grant monies received. The General Trustees have already promised a grant of Ł20,000, and further grants are being sought from appropriate trusts as are contributions from local businesses.

The generosity of many members of the congregation has been striking. Without their gifts we would not be able to go forward with the Project and they are warmly thanked. Anyone who would like to contribute from this point should contact Mac Robertson (449-2922).

Building Projects like these always seem to take longer and be more expensive than expected and ours is no exception. Building industry inflation alone has added Ł50,000 since the Project was first costed. However, the Project has made much faster progress than many anticipated and the team members are doing their best to hold the costs down. There are still decisions of detail to be made on things like fitting out the kitchen, the sound and lighting systems and furniture. Please pray for all those involved that they may be given the wisdom needed so that the facilities we gain will be appropriate to our vision for the Church's mission in our Parish.

Jared Hay, 2 June 2005