Rajnibhai Kansagra is the Managing Director of KPS (UK) Ltd. He is also the chair of the Building and Fundraising Sub-committee which is responsible for the new Dining Hall extension project.
To view new Dining Hall extension pictures click here
When did the Executive Committee first decide to start process of Dining Hall extension?
The Executive Committee first decided to start the process of building a Dining Hall about five years ago. This decision was taken as many hirers of our Hall have regulary asked why we don’t have separate dining hall facility. Whilst our centre is one of the most disirable function venues it lacked suitable dining facility for large number of people. We have experienced this ourselves on many occassions including Diwali functions. As a result, Executive Committee decided to improve our facilities and in doing so, it was possible to incorporate three rooms in the mezzanine floor of the Dining Room and two changing rooms.
Your first appointments were PTP Partnership as Architects and Austin Truman as Structural Engineers for this project, what were the criteria for appointing them?
Both the firms were involved in the original building. They found them very proactive and hands-on. Both the firms have a good flair for innovation and design. We wanted the extension to be of high quality, low maintenance and good value for money. We felt they could produce such a design.
Whom did you choose as other consultants?
Carl Raven of CS2 as Quantity Surveyor, Hannan Associates as M&E Engineers, Spectrum as Acoustic Engineers and NHBC as our CDM coordinators.
What was the planning process, did you encounter any problems, solutions you provided and how long this took, were there any conditions attached to planning approval?
We agreed at the onset that we would make a full planning application. It was agreed that the extension would be as large as possible without the possibility of a planning refusal as any planning refusal becomes difficult to reverse. Discussions were held with the planning officers as to the maximum size permissible. Satish produced drawings which were shown and discussed in the Executive Committee over a period of time. Planning application was made in July 2007 and it was approved in October 2007. In the negotiations we had to forego the building consent in the ancillary car park across the road so as to provide additional parking. There are eleven planning conditions but none is too onerous.
When was the project approved and who joined the project management team?
Project was signed off at the April 2009 AGM. Project management team consists of Bipinbhai Kantaria, Manoj Ardeshna and I.
How often has the building committee met to review the progress?
We meet at least once a month to discuss building and fundraising progress.
What is the summary of the budget approved by the EC?
Costs approximately: construction £1.3M, professional £160K, other disbursements £26k, all contingency £75k (5% of all) and Vat £245k. We are unable to defray VAT as the new building works is an extension to the existing.
What was the process of pre selection of contractors?
Some of the key criteria used to short list the contractors were their accounts, relevant experience and capability. Six were short listed for interviews. Bipinbhai Kantaria, Manojbhai Ardeshna and Carl Raven (QS) met at our Centre to interview those on the short list. All the interviewed contractors have the capability to deliver this project and shown keen interest. Five contractors were selected from this process.
What are the key dates for the programme?
Tender documents including Bill of Quantities, Drawings, CDM requirements etc were sent on 14th September 2009 followed by addendums on 5th October 2009. Tenders were due to be returned by 12th October 2009, however, four contractors asked for extension of time. We expected this may happen and hence we have given them an additional one week. Tenders will now be returned on 19th October 2009. After value engineering and negotiations we hope to appoint the Contractor no later than 19th November 2009 to commence on site early December 2009.
What is the scope of the works?
To build a high quality stand alone 5800 f2 Dining Hall, changing facilities and three classrooms easily accessible from the Main Hall. While the works are in progress, we will continue to rent the Main Hall for use at the weekends. Bookings already taken for the week days will be honoured. However, no new week day bookings will be taken for the construction period.
Can you highlight the major issues discussed during the design stage?
To produce a high quality low maintenance design at a reasonable cost. At the same time seamlessly marry the Dining Hall to the Main Hall. We wanted to ensure Planning Permission was granted at the first application.
What is the current status of the project?
Tenders will be returned by 19th October 2009. Currently we are setting wheels into motion to vigorously raise funds.
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