PACT Housekeeping Meetings
Thursday 23rd July 2026
We had the whole team together this week with Dan being back from his holidays. There was a lot to cover so we jumped straight into what we’ve been up to.
Firstly, we recapped our meeting with Horbury. We met Lee and Gill at their office on Monday and they were very supportive and excited about the project. We have summarised the points we discussed, as seen below:
1. We presented our plans, printed in A0, they were clear and now everyone is on the same page about the scope.
2. We all talked about the structural works being the most expensive part, they also said that this is their 'weak point'.
3. Horbury said they can do some quantity surveying (QS) for us, and would act as the main contractor.
4. Lee stressed that structural answers are key at this stage before Horbury can do any internal QS, so we made a plan to get some momentum before Eastwood visits the house for their structural survey:
Horbury will be able to visit the house and dig some test pits to find out what the structure of the foundations is like, they will also be able to cut a hole in the walls either side of the cellar stairs so we can understand how better to widen them to bring them up to regulation.
5. We will create a plan for them to dig, pushing it to be done ASAP (potentially next week)
6. This info will go to Eastwood and help them with a survey.
7. Lee is happy to be CC'd into these emails to further push this process.
8. As our main contractor they will co-ordinate various sub-contractors using their network when on site.
9. They are very confident that this is a small project for them in terms of interior fit-out.
10. Lastly we talked about the extent of PACT being the designated charity in terms of timeline, and they told us even though it's been two years, not to worry - they won't be dropping us halfway through this project!
11. They want to have a further conversation with trustees to discuss budget and what aspects can be done at cost, or FOC. This will happen once all outstanding questions are answered.
We talked about the catch-22 that we found ourselves in regarding the structural survey, and how we’re still pursuing this with high-priority. We have followed up again with Eastwoods to ask for their services with this, and Dan suggested that we go back to them again with very clear and concise questions:
1. By changing the window at the top of the cellar stairs into an opening, how much of what type of steel will this section require, both during construction for supports, and in the final build.
2. How far can we open up the lower staircase width by moving the interior wall(s) on the sides of the stairs?
3. What is their advice for the type of new staircase? e.g: Concrete (expensive, structural) or timber (cheaper, can still be structural in places).
Lucy will also ask her brother to chase up CDC as they seem to be a good option for structural advice as well.
Before we get this survey, Horbury have let us know that they are able to dig a trail pit and drill some investigative holes into the walls around the cellar stairs to help us gain valuable information that will influence the scope of the structural work. There are concerns with dust from this work so the house will need to be closed and thoroughly cleaned after work is carried out. Dan will speak to the staff and we will get a date arranged for the house to close, aiming to coordinate with Horbury and be completed by the end of next week.
We spoke about our meeting with Leonie following her Root Protection survey of the property. Her advice was very helpful and her report will be compiled into a site drawing that will support our planning application. The biggest takeaway that we will want to action is the issue with the tree roots that are lifting the paving. This is not seen as a major issue, and we have been recommended some solutions that we can explore when it comes time to focus our attention on the garden.
These solutions have been offered by Will Teare who is a potential designer for the garden. Any work undertaken to designs for the garden would take place in spring 2027, giving us plenty of time to design and budget for that deadline. We talked about phased design work and he will be coming back to us with some ideas on prices and how the design and build structure might look (we sent over the garden plan).
Finally, Lucy will also be sharing our details with a connection she has who might be able to offer us some support in both gardens & business development.
We had the whole team together this week with Dan being back from his holidays. There was a lot to cover so we jumped straight into what we’ve been up to.
Firstly, we recapped our meeting with Horbury. We met Lee and Gill at their office on Monday and they were very supportive and excited about the project. We have summarised the points we discussed, as seen below:
1. We presented our plans, printed in A0, they were clear and now everyone is on the same page about the scope.
2. We all talked about the structural works being the most expensive part, they also said that this is their 'weak point'.
3. Horbury said they can do some quantity surveying (QS) for us, and would act as the main contractor.
4. Lee stressed that structural answers are key at this stage before Horbury can do any internal QS, so we made a plan to get some momentum before Eastwood visits the house for their structural survey:
Horbury will be able to visit the house and dig some test pits to find out what the structure of the foundations is like, they will also be able to cut a hole in the walls either side of the cellar stairs so we can understand how better to widen them to bring them up to regulation.
5. We will create a plan for them to dig, pushing it to be done ASAP (potentially next week)
6. This info will go to Eastwood and help them with a survey.
7. Lee is happy to be CC'd into these emails to further push this process.
8. As our main contractor they will co-ordinate various sub-contractors using their network when on site.
9. They are very confident that this is a small project for them in terms of interior fit-out.
10. Lastly we talked about the extent of PACT being the designated charity in terms of timeline, and they told us even though it's been two years, not to worry - they won't be dropping us halfway through this project!
11. They want to have a further conversation with trustees to discuss budget and what aspects can be done at cost, or FOC. This will happen once all outstanding questions are answered.
We talked about the catch-22 that we found ourselves in regarding the structural survey, and how we’re still pursuing this with high-priority. We have followed up again with Eastwoods to ask for their services with this, and Dan suggested that we go back to them again with very clear and concise questions:
1. By changing the window at the top of the cellar stairs into an opening, how much of what type of steel will this section require, both during construction for supports, and in the final build.
2. How far can we open up the lower staircase width by moving the interior wall(s) on the sides of the stairs?
3. What is their advice for the type of new staircase? e.g: Concrete (expensive, structural) or timber (cheaper, can still be structural in places).
Lucy will also ask her brother to chase up CDC as they seem to be a good option for structural advice as well.
Before we get this survey, Horbury have let us know that they are able to dig a trail pit and drill some investigative holes into the walls around the cellar stairs to help us gain valuable information that will influence the scope of the structural work. There are concerns with dust from this work so the house will need to be closed and thoroughly cleaned after work is carried out. Dan will speak to the staff and we will get a date arranged for the house to close, aiming to coordinate with Horbury and be completed by the end of next week.
We spoke about our meeting with Leonie following her Root Protection survey of the property. Her advice was very helpful and her report will be compiled into a site drawing that will support our planning application. The biggest takeaway that we will want to action is the issue with the tree roots that are lifting the paving. This is not seen as a major issue, and we have been recommended some solutions that we can explore when it comes time to focus our attention on the garden.
These solutions have been offered by Will Teare who is a potential designer for the garden. Any work undertaken to designs for the garden would take place in spring 2027, giving us plenty of time to design and budget for that deadline. We talked about phased design work and he will be coming back to us with some ideas on prices and how the design and build structure might look (we sent over the garden plan).
Finally, Lucy will also be sharing our details with a connection she has who might be able to offer us some support in both gardens & business development.
Decisions made:
- House to be closed while Horbury works
Resources Shared:
Will Teare Garden Design: www.willteare.co.uk/
Goals for next week:
- Secure a structural surveyor
- Discuss any necessary changes with the design