John Peel Centre – Case Study

The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts (JPC) is an intimate community run venue in Stowmarket, Suffolk, which hosts a wonderful selection of events including music, theatre, film and poetry.

I became involved when it was a fledgling organisation in 2010, my primary focus was on bringing the then Corn Exchange from its dilapidated condition to the modern high quality building it is today. In terms of development, the project was split into three phases of works.

Phase 1 Cost £17,000 and was funded by Mid Suffolk District Council and Stowmarket Town Council. It provided a disabled access toilet, kitchenette, basic electrics, doors, access ramp and lighting. This provided a space that was useable for a small range of events that did not require heating or produce excessive noise.

Phase 2. This was part-funded by the People’s Millions, which, the JPC won with the highest number of votes in the east of England (11,700) and Mid Suffolk District Council. This enabled the installation of electric automatic opening double doors, access ramp, windows into the main elevation including an artist commission for the windows. Site investigations, geotechnical surveys and acoustic panels on the walls. This made the building useable for a wider range of functions.

Phase 3. This was funded through a variety of grants from Biffa, EDF Energy, the Arts Council, CSEP, Greenest County, Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Town Council, many other organisations and generous donations totaling a project budget of just over £1,000,000. This enabled the installation of a mezzanine floor incorporating a bar, kitchen, cellar and plant room. The ground floor level was raised to match the pavement level outside.  A box office, toilet facilities, platform lift bar and performance area was installed on the ground floor.  The building was fitted with new electrics, underfloor heating, fire detection, ventilation system, PV panels, Solar thermal panels and Air Source Heat Pumps and new windows.

Throughout the above, I organised various education projects with Royal Institute of British Architects, the Institution of Civil Engineers, Local Middle Schools, Suffolk One and the Local History Society. Upon completion of the construction project in 2013, I became the director responsible for Education and during the following three years I took responsibility as Finance Director and Volunteers Director for the Community Interest Company.

Services Provided

• Reviewed all available historical information for the site
• Assisted with lease negotiations with Stowmarket Town Council.
• Produce Project Action Plans to track the project and detail the work required and when it need to be completed for each of the phases. I produced timelines and budget cost estimates for each phase.
• Organised various surveys including: Building and Topographical survey, Geotechnical survey to assist with foundation design, CCTV sewer survey, a 900mm diameter egg shaped sewer runs under the building. It was critical to determine its condition as the construction of the mezzanine floor involved the installation of piles on either side of the sewer for support.
• Assisted with preparation of Business Case and Project Plan for grant applications.
• Helped to organise fund raising events and open days to publicise the project.
• Secured donations for the project and negotiated with suppliers to obtain discounted materials and services.
• Preparation of Consultants scope of services for: Architect, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Quantity Surveyors, and CDM advisors.
• Reviewed Consultants tenders to ensure full scope of services was covered, negotiated their fees and appointed them on behalf of the JPCCA.
• I was the main contact between the Management Board and the appointed consultants for all the phases of building works. I managed the consultant team to ensure that all design work was coordinated and completed to required timescales, for all the project phases from grant application through planning application to tender and completion of construction on site.
• I organised, chaired and recorded actions from meetings for both design team and internal Management Board meetings in relation to the building works and followed up to ensure actions completed to the required standards. I ensured that all parties were briefed on the projects progress.
• Negotiated with Utility Companies regarding the provision of new supplies to the building.
• Liaised with Suffolk County Council Highways Department to undertake works for the loading bay.
• Managed on behalf of the JPCCA Management Board the construction tender process including: Selection of Contractors for Tender, Assistance with and review of tender packs, Tender issue, Review of returned Tenders, Negotiation with Construction Contractors, Appointment of Construction Contractor on behalf of JPCCA Management Board.
• Management of construction works on site to ensure they were progressing to contract price and programme for all Phases, including: weekly site visits to check progress, authorized additional works, negotiated variations and extension of time claim on behalf of the JPCCA Management Board.
• Set up an initial financial management system when the venue became fully operational.
• Created volunteers handbook including policies and procedures and organised training for volunteers and students participating on the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

All of this involved working collaboratively with public and private organisations on behalf of the JPCCA Management Board in order to deliver this beautiful venue in a timely manner and within budget.