Architect - Bernard Mackay
Structural Engineer - Anderson P Ramsubhag
Civil Engineer - Errol Crooks
Objective
The main objective of the St Mary's Building Committee is to ensure that parishioners receive "value" for money spent. From the onset, the committee decided against superficial renovations and quick-fixes, in favour of a complete renovation that would address all major issues, but would necessarily require approval from the Archdiocese Building Committee and Town & Country Planning Division.
Pre-Construction Process to date - (June 2006)
- Identify structural problems - Report submitted by structural engineers and detailed in previous update
- Identify all other issues of a non-structural nature
- Decide on the best course of action to address all of the above noted problems
- Undertake comparative cost of the options open to us
- Undertake a Cost/Benefit analysis
- Prepare designs for a new Church
- The final decision rested with the Archdiocese Building Committee, and we were obliged to abandon work on the preferred option
- Start anew to prepare Refurbishment Plans & submit to Town & Country Planning Division
- Final designs and cost
- Tender process
What's Next
This year (2006) should mark the completion of all Design related activities, and the start of the Tender process. As we move out of the difficult and often contentious Planning/Design/Approvals phase, the last foreseeable hurdle may be the length of time taken to effect POS City Council Approval.
Relocation
We effectively have six (6) months to find new premises to house all church activities, if things proceed according to plan. Father Garth had initiated the relocation process as far back as 2004.
In that year, we applied for and received written permission to use an empty ward in the St James Medical Complex. However, due to approval delays, we were unable to make use of the building, and permission has since lapsed. The site is no longer an option, as their construction works are underway.
The use of the hall or rooms, in the Mucurapo Girl's RC School is on the short-list of options. Also, under consideration, is the rental of nearby, suitable, office space to ensure that the day to day business of the parish continues.
Many Thanks for your Patience
We look forward to serving you in the fort-coming months. The nature of the work is such that while there is much effort, there is often very little to show for it.
However the major obstacles appear to be behind us. Ironically, as we move into this final pre-construction phase many of the fruits of the labour of our parish priest will come to bear after his departure.
We note here (for the record), his crucial role in the rebuilding programme, and trust that his prayers would remain with us as we navigate the uncertain waters ahead.
We Believe that the reconstruction works planned, will address most of the issues noted. At seventy-five, the Church building has seen better days, but the final product will be one that we can be proud of for many years to come, and one that will continue to serve the faithful for generations.
Source: Handout from the Building Committee at Covenant Day 2005