Friday, 18th October 2024

In a significant development for Haydon Wick’s Parks and Open Spaces team, the long-awaited Grounds Maintenance Facility is rapidly taking shape, promising to assist with the efficiency and capabilities of the service delivery. With completion slated for November, this state-of-the-art Facility represents a major milestone in enhancing the team’s operational capacity and service delivery.

Project Highlights and Progress
The project remains on track, with several key milestones already achieved:
Sustainable Energy Solutions: The specification for PV/Solar installations has been confirmed, underscoring the facility’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
Enhanced Security Measures: An intruder specification has been finalised, ensuring the safety and protection of equipment and personnel.
Aesthetic and Functional Design: Decisions on roof design, external cladding, external masonry, and internal colour schemes have been made, balancing form with function.
Structural Advancements: The imminent installation of stairs marks another step towards completion.
Recent site visits by Councillors and team members have left them impressed by the sheer size and scale of the facility, hinting at the expanded capabilities it will offer.

Ongoing Developments
As the project enters its final stages, attention is now focused on fine-tuning the internal specifications:
Optimised Layouts: Work is underway to confirm the layouts for the kitchen, workshops, offices, and storage areas, ensuring maximum efficiency and functionality.
Overcoming Challenges: While facing potential delays in the installation of the 3 phase electricity supply, our contractors are actively exploring workarounds to minimise any impact on the Facility’s opening.
Environmental Considerations: Hedging has been removed to accommodate security perimeter fencing, with plans in place for replanting once the project is completed, maintaining the area’s green aesthetic.

Financial Management and Oversight
The Project’s financial aspects are being meticulously managed:
Transparent Reporting: Cashflow is closely monitored and reported monthly at Council meetings, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
Funding Progress: The drawdown of the Public Works Loan is imminent and will be formally reported at November’s Full Council meeting, marking a significant financial milestone for the project.

A New Era for Parks and Open Spaces
The completion of this Facility represents more than just a new building; it signifies a transformative moment for Haydon Wick’s Parks and Open Spaces service. By providing the team with their own dedicated space, the new Facility promises to unlock new levels of efficiency and robustness in service delivery, enabling the team to better serve the community and maintain the area’s cherished parks and open spaces for years to come.

Tuesday, 1st October 2024

Construction has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the steel framework, concrete foundations, and window installations. The focus has now shifted to the interior, where electrical and plumbing work will progress rapidly, particularly for the kitchen and toilet areas.

Tuesday, 23rd July 2024

The steel structure is now complete and block work is rapidly going up. We’re pleased to report that the project is progressing well and remains on schedule, thanks to the hard work of the Affleck construction team and favourable weather conditions.

Wednesday, 26th June 2024

We are thrilled to share the latest update on the construction of the Parish Council’s new Grounds Maintenance Facility. The foundations and concrete pad are now complete, so the steel structure will begin to take shape.

As part of the ongoing development, it has become necessary to fell two trees located on the site. This step is crucial to ensure there is sufficient space around the boundary of the facility, in line with the agreed planning permission.

While we understand that the removal of trees can be a sensitive issue, we want to assure the community that this decision was not made lightly. The trees in question are being removed to facilitate the construction process and to comply with safety and planning requirements.

Importantly, the Parish Council is fully committed to environmental sustainability and the preservation of green spaces. As part of our commitment, we will be planting new trees in other areas of the parish to compensate for the loss. These new plantings will not only replace the felled trees but also contribute to the overall greenery and ecological health of our community.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we continue to develop this important facility. The new Grounds Maintenance Facility will greatly enhance our ability to maintain and improve public spaces, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for all residents.