This sequence shows the first stages of the EMC redevelopment project.
I wonder how many of us who walked past the Church recently shared the same sentiment as Simeon when he said,
“My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30)
Is it not wonderful that our long wait is over and the Contractors are actually on site? We have been impatient and disgruntled, but God’s grace works through in His own time. There are still a few more bridges to cross, but in faith we move forward confidently.
The cost level has not deviated much from our estimates of a year ago. We have to thank our professional consultants for their diligence in this regard. The cost of the project for the welcome area, Bookshop, Church extension, offices and nursery would be £1,540,030. This includes a sum of £154,100 for preparatory work and provision of facilities for the Scouts Headquarters.
The total cost will be funded as follows:
£
Approved Methodist Grants
595,000
38 %
Personal donations and Fundraising by EMC
873,010
57 %
Balance to be raised by EMC
72,020
5 %
Total
1,540,030
100 %
Our first challenge is to manage the cash flow such that we could meet the Contractor’s bills as they fall due. A part of the personal donations shown above are pledges still to be received over the next few years. The largest grant, up to £500,000 from the Sutton Circuit will be from the sale of Great Tattenham’s site. When EMC would receive the money depends on the timing of the completion of that sale. Therefore we may need some bridging finance in the interim. This would be partly covered by the offer of interest free loans from some members. If a few more members were able to make such an offer it would lighten the burden. Furthermore, there are 20 members who have continued with their pledges beyond the period initially pledged. We are deeply grateful for this faithful support. I do not mean to take advantage of this generosity. I would be in a better position to project an accurate cash flow if these members would indicate to me how long they would continue their pledge. Lastly, some of us were reluctant to make a financial commitment until we saw visible signs of the building phase. With God’s grace we have now reached that stage.
We expect the current deficit of £72,000 to be funded by a combination of extended pledges, new donations/pledges and fundraising events. Please pray that the whole project (this phase and the Scouts HQ) would continue according to God’s perfect will and plan.
Richard Chandra-Rajan (Treasurer-EMC Development Appeal)
The four external garages will be demolished
Hall prior to the build below.
Building storage cupboards for the Nursery equipment as the four external garages will be demolished to give site access to the new Scouts Headquarters.
John Riley at work note the two single electrical sockets uncovered with the removal of the old cupboards, these have been left available but inside the cupboard doors, so a new double socket position located left on the outer wall.
John Riley at work note removal of the old radiator and the rough brickwork exposed.
Later faced with plywood below and floor cement screeded under the old radiator position.
General view, note the recess for the new radiator in the centre, this is well insulated and fireproofed behind.
John with plaster board for facing the cupboards, note the red cable left hand corner of the picture leading to a new double electrical socket on the wall alongside the exit.
Well done John all the doors in place
The Locksmith at work
Inside shelves in place, John looks pleased, and so he should.
But will all the Nursery, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows kit find space?
But Paul afraid no room for your kit!
The developers (Farnrise Construction) arrive on site, these are the Porta-cabins and secure storage containers. Note taken through the metal barrier.
Farnrise Construction more information.........here.
Site Offices on top floor. Note taken through the metal barrier and then the foreground cropped to give a better view.
The demolition of the four external garages.
The remains of storage for Nursery, they are provided with new accommodation in the Halls, Guide Camp equipment as yet no space available, so all equipment has to be stored off site.
Access to future Scouts headquarters, this area was 4 garages
Work in progress.
The Barratt Room, this will be changed to Nursery toilets and storage space.
Layout shown below, for toilet/wash area ,storage not shown..
Nursery toilets.
Note the above plan is about half of the existing room, Nursery storage is the other half the other side of the wall with the hand basins, see site plans.
The Barratt Room, this will be changed to Nursery toilets and storage space.
The Barratt Room, 25 March 2007 showing the partition wall structure.
The Barratt Room, 25 March 2007 showing the partition wall structure.
Nursery Toilets
Caretakers Room
New path access to the Dovecote Bookshop and the Hall when Church central access is restricted due to building works.
Nursery Protected Area
Gated Access
Inside of the Vestibule - March 2007 To become the Dovecote Bookshop
Outside of the Vestibule - March 2007
Outside of the Vestibule - 2 April 2007
Outside of the Vestibule - 22 April 2007
Outside of the Vestibule - 29 April 2007
Inside of the Vestibule - March 2007 To become the Dovecote Bookshop
Inside of the Vestibule - March 2007 To become the Dovecote Bookshop
Inside of the Vestibule - 25 March 2007
Inside of the Vestibule - 25 March 2007
Inside of the Vestibule - 25 March 2007
Inside of the Vestibule - 2 April 2007
Inside of the Vestibule - 2 April 2007
Inside of the Vestibule - 22 April 2007
Dovecote Christian Bookshop in action May 2007
Dovecote Christian Bookshop in action May 2007
Dovecote Christian Bookshop in action May 2007
Remains of tree that obscured Dovecote entrance.
Access to the Dovecote Bookshop, wall and tree removed.
New path access to the Dovecote Bookshop
Outside Side next to Dovecote 25 March 2007
Outside Front 25 March 2007
Note these pictures will be added as the work progresses subject to the site managers approved authorisation and the site regulations.
Please note many of the above have been taken through the metal barriers and then cropped thus giving the impression of being on the site which has not been the case, or indeed from an open fire escape door!
