Contact: Peter Davies (01962) 847921

1. Summary

1.1. This report outlines progress at Salterns Cottage and arrangements in hand to ensure that building and commissioning are accomplished expeditiously.

2. Introduction

2.1. Following various problems encountered with delays and procurement of this project, new resources have been allocated within the department to improve its expedition. It has also been able to appoint a contractor directly to carry out some enabling work, while the main construction drawings are completed, which will achieve some acceleration of the process.

3. Progress to date

3.1. With the removal of asbestos complete, the building shell was vulnerable and it was decided safer to board up the existing structure than to demolish it and this work is now complete. Work has also commenced at the site to install the new electric supply cable below ground. This will enable builder's plant to be used safely, as well as providing a visual enhancement of the area. Some pruning of the rear hedge will also be necessary to allow full access for the builder and this will be carried out at the same time. As part of this initial enabling contract, the water main for the building and the temporary accommodation is also being modified.

3.2. Following the approval of the planning application, work has been concentrated on the production of working drawings and specifications for the new building. The documentation is now virtually complete and a contractor will shortly be appointed. Negotiation with the contractor should ensure that the swiftest practical construction period can be achieved; that he can pre-order any materials that have exceptional delivery periods and that all restrictions on site establishment and access are fully adopted. Full contract and Construction, Design and Management (CDM) documentation will need to be in place before the contractor will accept the site and so a physical start is not expected until 27^th May.

4. Construction and Commissioning

4.1. An initial two weeks of demolition, drainage and ground works will be followed by a twelve week construction period which may be improved in negotiation with the contractor to be appointed. This should provide for commissioning the building in the first week of September and occupation in the week commencing 9^th September. If the weather this summer remains favourable the work should not be interrupted and the temporary buildings should be off sited during September giving time for any reinstatement needed before the autumn brings the on-set of a wetter period.

4.2. As with any building process there will inevitably be some mess, noise and risks involved. These will be looked at in negotiations with the contractor and an on-going process of joint monitoring and re-assessment will continue through the contract period. The co-operation of all parties will be required throughout if the most efficient and speedy resolution of the project is to be achieved.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be noted.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

4cR160402