Dear Families,
I am very excited to announce that we have an update on the proposed Boosh Build and Renovation. The contract has been awarded for work to start on the demolition and replacement of the existing ‘Cottage’ building and renovation of the ‘Boosh’ building.
The Development Application was sent for this project towards the end of 2023 but the project was initially conceived over 10 years ago and we have been actively working towards it, in it’s current form, for multiple years. Below I have provided details on the project and anticipated impact on the service for families to be aware of. Please note that all details, procedures, and other factors may change over the course of the project and that all dates are only a projection.
Scope:
The Project scope is the demolition and replacement of the ‘Cottage’ with a larger modular building and the renovation of the existing ‘Boosh’ building. The new modular building will have new bathroom facilities, kitchen facilities, improved access, separate rooms, balcony, and far more overall space.
Following the completion of the new building will be the renovation of the existing ‘Boosh’ building. This will be a gutting of the existing space to make it more open and practical, as well as complete refurbishment of the building.
Programme/Timeline:
- 11/11/2024 – 06/12/2024 – Demolition of the ‘Cottage’ building.
- Week starting 09/12/2024 – Delivery of new modular building to current cottage site
- 16/12/2024 – 03/02/2025 (start of Term 1 2025) – Installation of modular building
- 03/02/2025 – Refurbishment of ‘Boosh’ building
- Start of Term 2 2025 – Project Completion
Centre operations:
- We will continue to be fully operational for the entirety of the building project.
- The project will be staged so that we have access to the current ‘Boosh’ building until the completion of the new modular building. Upon completion of the new building we will move the main location of the service from the current ‘Boosh’ building into the new building and they will begin refurbishment work.
- We will be utilising a school demountable throughout the project as a second indoor space, offsetting the loss of space.
- An ‘Exclusion Zone’ or construction site will be maintained on site for the demolition, construction, and refurbishment. A risk-assessment has been developed and Staff will put in place procedures to minimize risk to children. We will communicate specific details to children and families as necessary, being aware that things may change throughout the project.
- During refurbishment of ‘Boosh’ building, procedures such as sign-in/sign-out, arrival and departure from the service will be changed. This will be communicated to families and children in advance of that stage of construction.
- We will be providing more information as the project progresses, we aim to keep families informed by email, physical notices, and newsletter (Please read our emails).
Vacation Care:
Vacation Care will go ahead unaffected. The operating dates for the upcoming summer Vacation Care will be:
- Dec 19 + 20
- Jan 13 – Feb 3
Information for Vacation Care will be sent out to all families as usual around Week 5 of term.
We have been eagerly awaitng this project for a long time and are looking forward to the improvement in the quality and size of our spaces. We aim to provide as much detail and notice for changes to procedures but ask that families are considerate of the inherent difficulties of such a project and support staff in doing their best to continue to provide quality care for the children.
Thanks,
Brad and the Boosh Team