Audit of the use and condition of the building

Wolstanton Methodist Church is part of the Wolstanton and Audley Methodist Circuit. The Church and Circuit undertook a series of audits and review of its work and premises. In particular the January 2001 disability audit (See appendix j) The May 2001 Our calling Audit based on a national document to look at how we undertake our work., and a 2002 Engineering services report by GMG Associates. (See appendix j)

The disability report 18th January 2001 highlighted access to our buildings as being unsuitable for disabled users. Internally three parts of our buildings are on different levels requiring ramps and lifts to be installed. Clearly if the church and centre wanted to continue serving the whole community these and other issues had to be addressed. See appendix j reports for extract from the report by Mr Nigel Dibb district disability officer. See also the photographs in appendix h which show the access problems within the buildings such as the number of stairs, the wasted space with corridors, and the generally poor layout of the premises.

The May 2001 report led to the circuit decision to move to the closure of four sets of premises in the circuit and the investment in four of the remaining church buildings. In doing so the centres have to ensure they provide modern premises that are suited to the community activities located within the buildings and can be accessed by all the community. (See appendix j report)

The 2002 Report on the engineering services of the buildings highlighted that they were in a ‘poor condition’..due to age’ and ‘coming to the end of an acceptable life’ (see covering letter in appendix j from BSM)

• 3.02 in the report states ‘Wiring and electrical equipment is of a similar age but is fast approaching what may be classed as dangerous....
• 3.02 Gas pipe work is in a corrosive condition with risk of leaks....
• 3.04 Basically as systems DO NOT meet any current standards....’It goes on to say‘ And work contemplated could not be carried out on any of the services without virtually replacement of all plant and major rewiring.’

(See appendix j Report by BSM)

The cost of Mechanical and Electrical Installations is estimated by GMG Associates at £242,000.00 plus vat. (See appendix j reports from GMG) Wolstanton Methodist Church Council commissioned the Architectural firm of Tarpey Barrett to produce a scheme that would enable the existing work to continue and provide opportunities to expand that work.