With unanimous agreement we set up a consultation involving the Leadership Team, members of St. Gabriel’s Congregation and an architect from Studio4 Architects in Southampton.
Concept drawings were produced outlining some of the potential ideas from the first meeting and from the second meeting formal plans were drawn up. The initial cost of the whole project was estimated at £800k-£1M. It was agreed that the community element would form the first phase and cost in the region of £525k.
With help and advice from our local councillors and massive support from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and the Local Infrastructure Fund St Gabriel’s was able to secure a grant of £400k and in faith we sent out tender documentation and appointed RV Dart as our main contractors. At around this time we were blessed that George Coe, who has vast experience and knowledge in this area, joined us to project manage the construction phase.
Work began on July 10th 2017 with laying of the foundations for the FRE (Flat Roof Extension) and the Community Hall. The FRE would house two new meeting rooms, a new suite of toilets, (including for the first time a separate disabled toilet), storage cupboards and a Utility room; the Community Hall and Kitchen would double in size and the foyer and porch would be remodelled.
We were fortunate to be granted funding from The National Lottery to furnish and equip the new kitchen to a high standard with new appliances, including a dishwasher!
From the outset of the project it was always St Gabriel’s goal to be a centre of excellence and with that in mind the focus was on the attention to detail and in future proofing the new facilities.
All our rooms are now equipped with internet access, Ethernet connections for AV transmission and within a short period there will be additional screens available around the new build.
When you visit us please do feel free to wander around and view the new facilities and we hope you will enjoy them as part of our community.
It would be very difficult to thank all the individuals involved in this project,