The Current Position

• The lottery bid was unsuccessful this time round. Mainly because the demand on the available funds was far exceeded by the number of applications submitted nationally.
• There were concerns about the car parking which we expected.
• Because planning and building control was not in place at the time of the application there were concerns about the building schedule.
• There were still some design issues to resolve mainly in relation to the roof structure which had a big impact on the overall cost.

 

What's Happenned since the Lottery Bid

• The car parking issue has been resolved by the generous donation of land adjacent to the present site by Mr Peter Foot.
• Design issues with regard the roof have been resolved by a new structural engineer. The flat roof has been removed and a new more cost effective frame has been designed.
• Planning, Building Control and Highways Department Applications are now lodged with the National Parks and Carmarthenshire County Council and we are awaiting a response.
  
• A new Funding Strategy has been developed which includes:

1. Reducing the build cost, current figures suggest we can make
   a saving in the region of at least £80,000
2. Seek a range of smaller grants to build up a package of funds for
   some of the building elements, and the activities programme
3. Submit a new proposal to the Big Lottery for a reduced sum in the
   region of £250,000 to £,300,000

• We are looking now at a total funding package of £400,000 for the actual building plus some for activities.
  
  

Keeping things in perspective

• The reduction of the building costs without compromising the design is bringing the overall cost very close to the refurbishment costs that were provided in 1999.
• In 1999 the refurbishment cost was estimated at £309,000. This is equivalent to £1,236 per square meter for a 250 square meter space
• The new hall built to a much higher specification and providing more capacity is currently estimated at £400,000 or £1,186 per square meter for a 337.4 square meter space
• Add to this the energy efficiency, and low environmental impact of the new build then it remains very good value for money.

 

The Activities

• It remains the case that any funding package will be largely dependent on proving present and future use of the hall.
• Based on your questionnaires 68 regular activities have been identified. These range from regular meetings, to recreational, sports/arts and welfare activities
• Anyone who has an idea for an activity or would like to help by leading or teaching an activity please do not hesitate to let the Hall Management Committee know.
• It is still very much a case of if we do not use it we lose it.
• All help and support will be gratefully received.

 

The Modified Design