Today (Thursday) the contract for the hall project was signed between the parish and building firm Hanham and Philp - work will begin early February next year - exciting!

We have finally arrived at the end of the beginning! Under the guidance of Heritage Architect Tony Ussher and with coordination from Works Team Convenor Don Mackenzie, we recently received the building consent for the hall project. This marked the conclusion of hours of work from Tony, Don and a host of other people. However it was only the end of the beginning – the project itself is due to begin early in February next year!

Last week Chris Wilson, who has taken over from Tony Ussher as Project Architect, briefed Vestry on the contract which is to be signed with our contractor Hanham and Philp. Chris explained that our Quantity Survey had thoroughly reviewed Hanham and Philp’s quote and had recommended that the parish accept it.

Vestry also discussed the cost of the project which, mainly due to the escalation of some costs, now stands at about $2 million. This total includes the contractor’s quote as well as amounts for contract works insurance, professional fees, kitchen and wafer room fit out, audio visual equipment etc.

Vestry then voted to proceed with the signing of the contract with Hanham and Philp and to sign a contract with Chris Wilson of Wilson Hill Architects to oversee the project on our behalf. Chris is a parishioner and attends Lifestreams with his family. The signing of the hall contract took place on Thursday 11 November.

Total funds in hand currently stand at $996,500, most of which is held by the St Barnabas Fendalton Trust. There is a further amount of $180,000 which the parish anticipates receiving from CPT. Because about $146,000 has already been spent the shortfall of funds is estimated to be about $700,000.

It is planned that this shortfall will be met by applications to philanthropic trusts. We have applied to the Rata Foundation ($200,000), Lotteries ($400,000) and the CCC Heritage Incentive Fund ($350,000) and it is hoped that these will be at least partially successful.

The Trust continues to receive donations and we are very grateful for the generosity of parishioners. If there are funds remaining at the end of the project these will be retained in the Trust and used for the maintenance of our St Barnabas buildings.

Our vision to have a strengthened and refurbished hall will contribute to the spiritual and social wellbeing of our community. Our beautiful grounds and buildings will also bear witness to the love and grace of God who is active in our community.