Monday 8 May 2023

Origin to the rescue for hall repairs!

Over the past year the CPPA has been addressing a termite attack at our community-owned hall. Newcastle Pest Services did a great job in tracking down and stopping any further munching, with a recent report showing no more activity. A thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage has shown that there is minimal structural damage but extensive damage to architraves, window-sills and softwood structures… there’s some repair work ahead.

As the CPPA owns the hall, the maintenance, and repairs rests with the CPPA. Each year we regularly raise enough funds to cover all the regular costs associated with owning a property - rates, insurance, electricity, water and general maintenance.

When something extra is required, we seek funding from other sources, usually grants. We’ve achieved some amazing renovations over the past decade through Community Building Partnership (CBP) grants. Underfloor insulation, air conditioning, solar panels were installed, and a rainwater water tank added and plumbed into the toilets. These were all initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of services to the hall and improve the comfort of hall users.

In 2022 a CBP grant to address the termite damage, undertake the repairs, and address the lack of storage at the Hall was unsuccessful. Since then, the CPPA Committee has been seeking other funding options.

In the past month a very exciting offer of $8000 of financial assistance has come through the Eraring site Community Support program.

This grant will make possible the repairs to the termite damage and, in the process of repairing, enable installation of more storage within the kitchen area to provide better facilities for regular hall users. Sincere thanks to the Origin – Eraring team for coming to our repairing rescue.

It will now be up to our members and community supporters to physically make the repairs happen.

A scope of works has been developed and the CPPA is seeking support from members, the wider community or local community groups to assist in undertaking the repair and storage project. 
(The picture is looking towards the end needing repairs.)

1. Investigate (done)

  • Investigate to get best appreciation of extent of structural damage.
  • Measure up for cupboard dimensions

2. Design: (soon)

  • Design specifics of two new cupboards - one in corner west of new laundry sink (nominally for cleaning materials/brooms etc) plus big one opposite west window where the servery hatch will be closed.

3. Demolish Day (Sunday 14 May, & Mon-Tue if needed)

  • Prepare the space (empty cupboards, rotate fridge, lift flooring...).
  • Disconnect & cap plumbing and electrics. (May need to install a temporary arrangement to turn hot water on in case it’s needed).
  • Strip out cupboards, architraves, old window & hatch.
  • Strip wall linings as far as needed to access/reinforce damaged structural timber.
  • Remove debris (some/all to bulk waste? some to tip?).

4. Repair (Skilled trades needed)

  • Install supplementary framing (reinforce damage, close up hatch/ window/ door).
  • Sheet and plaster walls (both sides).
  • Fix damaged skirting / architraves / window-sill (on hall side as well as kitchen).
  • Install (old?) base unit + (old? new?) benchtop + new sink.
  • Connect plumbing and electrics.

5. Furnish (Skilled trades and painters required)

  • Build 2 cupboards (probably build on site rather than pre-build/carry / install).
  • Painting (hall side as well as kitchen).

6. Extra

  • Depending on what we find at west hatch, decide how far to strip / repair east hatch to achieve better counter and taller opening to reduce stooping.

7. Celebrate

  • Social gala function to launch the new space and thank our sponsors / supporters.

The CPPA needs community helpers to make the repairs happen. If you can lend a hand with any part of the project please get in touch so we can keep you updated about progress and requirements.

Ian: 0412 083 130 or cppatreasurer@gmail.com

Suzanne 0438 596 741 or email cppasecretary@gmail.com.

If you are able to assist on Sunday 14 May for the demolition session, please let us know ASAP. If need be we might be back on Mon-Tue.

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