Glyndwr are delighted to be working with the RICS Wales Regional Board...
Glyndwr are delighted to be working with the RICS Wales Regional Board as trail blazers on delivering a social value project within the heart of where we operate. The RICS are working with a local charity ‘Rumney Forum’ who are in desperate need of assistance.
Background
Rumney Community Forum is a charity providing a valuable community service to local residents. It shares a building, a former library, with the Rumney Forum Café and provides a weekly Community Foodbank, a daily Community Fridge, a school uniform exchange scheme for all schools in Cardiff.. It also operates a Social Service Referral Scheme, as well as hiring out household items, like lawnmowers, at a negligible price to tenants who would be unable to purchase.
The Rumney Forum Café runs independently of Rumney Community Forum. It is well equipped, clean and has an impressive 4-star food hygiene rating. However, it was suggested that the café runs at loss and the owner makes up the shortfall from their own pocket.
Rumney is in one of the most deprived areas of Cardiff according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation and as such, has high levels of poverty, child poverty, unemployment and ill health, all of which increases the need for this local asset. Without intervention the Rumney Forum and café are at risk of closure.
The building
The building is in a state of disrepair and a direct approach is required to ensure the premises gets the repair it needs so the charity can continue to provide meaningful assistance to the community. Subject to surveys, principle concerns have been outlined as below (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Previous roof leaks may have damaged the concrete ceiling.
- Ceiling tiles are missing while others are clearly water damaged.
- Lighting is being run from the emergency lighting system.
- The rear courtyard paving slabs are damaged and uneven. There is concern that the drainage beneath is also damaged.
- The electronic entrance door needs repair, and the fire seals may need replacing.
- Partition walls are needed to separate the café from donated goods.
- Perimeter walls require redecoration
- Carpet tiles are dated and damaged and will require a new finish.
Glyndwr Support
Glyndwr’s very own Matt Haynes is the current Regional Chair for RICS Matrics Wales and sits on the RICS Wales Regional Board and has intimate involvement with delivering this scheme. With Glyndwr’s support Matt has reached out to our valued supply chain and has been responsible for appointing contractors to commit to the following:
- Central Roofing South Wales- LIVin City Road- Recladding works Contractor.
- Undertake 3D external drone survey
- Undertake intrusive roofing survey
- Undertake required repairs to the roof
- Paramount- WAST- Make Ready Depot contractor
- Survey external site
- Provide storage container for rolling hire period to enable internal refurbishment.
- JW Bowkett Electrical- Swansea University- Campus LED Replacement Works contractor.
- Undertake electrical survey
- Upgrade the current Distribution Board located within the back storeroom for a new 18th edition DB c/w all associated MCB’s & RCBO’s.
- Re-wire the existing lighting and small power within the main hall space. New PVC trunking and Conduit will be installed throughout.
- Replace all light fittings within the main hall and storerooms for new LED Equivalent.
- Carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report and rectify any remedials identified.
- Dan Stacey Construction- Beacon House contractor
- Undertake drainage survey works
- Rectify damaged drainage and repair external paving slabs.
- Matt has also had wider supply chain contractors commit to the following works:
- Replace ceiling tiles
- Install internal partition
- Internal re-decoration
- Provision of new furniture
- Glyndwr have also pledged volunteers to assist the forum in relocating items to the storage container, ensure the inside is clean and tidy to enable refurbishment works and assist in putting for forum ‘back together’ following the works.
Glyndwr will continue to report on the progress of these works.