Issue - meetings

This issue was discussed under Item 6 (d).

SKDT - The Chair (in his capacity as Director) informed the group of the SKDT application to Growing Community Assets was also being considered at the same time.

In addition, the Sherriff was in the process of making a decision of the transfer of ownership to SKDT.  Providing on the success of the ownership transfer and the funding application, then the work on the Town Hall would commence.  

Susan Paterson had updated the group on this issue under Item 5g.

Update given at Item 4 (c ).

Town Hall update

Design

• Intrusive surveys have been completed
• Rot and spire survey reports due this week.
• First cost plan drawings received and draft cost plan available on 15 March
• Planning and listed building applications due to be submitted end of March

Community Engagement

• Extensive engagement carried out by Project Animateur, covering a broad age range of stakeholders
• Town Hall website, Facebook and Twitter being maintained by volunteer as Deirdre Henderson has moved on to a new job and Project Animateur role has ended
• Town Hall photo competition to be announced shortly

Business Consultancy

• First draft of revised Business Plan due by end of March
• Market research on potential community and commercial use of Town Hall ongoing
• Cash flow forecasts are being prepared
• Still asking for user survey forms to be completed
• Potential commercial users identified, details firmed up closer to building completion

Big Lottery Growing Community Assets

Target date for submission of the Stage 2 application is 31 May 2013 and the decision will take between two and four moths.  During this period there will be no funding and works will not recommence until funding has been secured and the tender process completed.

Asset Transfer

Initial work underway regarding use of rear lane and transfer of title from Council to SKDT – it should be noted that transfer will not take place until a sustainable business case has been prepared and all funding is secured.

Urgent Repairs

Argyll & Bute Council Property Services have completed urgent repairs to the towner, rainwater good and roof – this was a temporary measure to prevent further damage to the building prior to the main building contract starting.

All existing layers of paint will have to be removed to allow stone by stone examination and repair.  Specialist advice is being taken about suitable paint for the building.

Verbal Update from Tracy Grant

Tracy reported that she was newly in post and was currently occupied  doing the business plan for second stage of the current  “Growing Community Assets" funding bid and introducing herself to the local business community

Deirde Henderson reported that the SKDT has appointed an experience Design team to work with the local community to draw up plans for the Town Hall.  Coltart Early Architects would lead the Design Team of Hulley and Kirkwood M & E Structural Engineers and Brown and Wallace as Cost Consultants.  She reported that there would be public meetings to ascertain peoples views on the design project. 

Partners would be encouraged to use the Town Hall and Deirdre requested that the group bring forward any memorabilia of the Town Hall's usage over the years.

Jim Martin proposed that the KIWG support this initiative and the Group agreed to this request.