May 2023(a)

Dear residents,

The Hardwick Community Centre is still progressing even though it’s been a little quiet of late. There have been some parts of the project that have taken more time than expected, so we are likely to be looking at a later start to the build than expected. We are still hopeful of the build starting in this calendar year.

The tendering process took longer than we had hoped due to the complex nature of the range of  options we wanted included in the specification. The returned tenders were also far higher than expected, even though we had taken material costs and inflation into account. This has also delayed our start date as we now need to find some extra funding beyond the £1.8 million we had expected to be the maximum we’d require.

Over the next four weeks we will now be discussing the next steps with the PC (Parish Council) . This has include a joint meeting with the chosen contractor, the architect, and a couple of representatives of the HCCWG (Hardwick Community Centre Working Group) to look at trimming the build cost and getting the build within budget. An example of this is the high specification wood panelling in the main hall which might have to now be a traditional rendered wall finish to reduce the cost. This is a process called ‘value engineering’ and is intended to try and keep the building the same footprint as planned. We will, inevitably, lose some of the higher specification finishes we’d originally planned but this is our best option at this difficult financial time. We are, however, still committed to keeping the building as eco friendly as before. 

Once this process is completed the PC will then be in a position to decide how much it might need to add to the project and then consult with residents about these costs. We also have a group of volunteers looking into grants that could add to the total build budget. 

Any other alternatives at this time are far less desirable. Planning a smaller building would take time, extra expense, re-tendering and we have no knowing if prices will then take that option out of reach. Delaying construction in the hope of prices reducing will mean re-tendering and again no guarantee the costs will be lower. They may be higher because, even as inflation slows, it still adds to the high costs we have today. 

So what can you expect to see happening over the next few months as a village resident?

Firstly, we are continuing our fundraising. Please consider becoming one of Our supporters (you can find out how). We also held a successful Auction of promises.

Secondly, you will get further updates added to the above website at regular intervals: please Subscribe (you can opt out at any time). You can also ask questions.

Thirdly, there is now a charity set up under the name of Hardwick Community Centre. This has a fundraising account which can receive gift aid donations from any uk tax payers. This enables us to add 25% extra to any donated amount at no extra cost to those donating. 

Finally, assuming the next steps of reducing costs might require additional funding from the PC, residents will be consulted before this happens. 

On behalf of HCCWG can I thank you all for your support so far, especially those that have donated, helped fundraise and/or post our information on social media platforms for us to help spread the word about the build. 

Alan West (on behalf of HCCWG).