ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY

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History of project

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In 2021, a major redecoration and renovation project was completed for the upstairs part of the Becket Centre.

It was always intended to follow that with a similar exercise in the Henrietta Suite, but the massive heating project got in the way.

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Then there was a period of debate by the Becket Centre committee about what type of a job was needed, a debate that did and still does generate widely differing views.
The Parish Council took responsibility for that decision in mid 2024 and instigated a parish consultation, some results of which are linked below. Feedback and debate resulted in a new outline plan, which was quite different from the first draft, and which was again consulted on before being formally adopted by the PPC in November 2024.

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A project brief was drawn up, and a project manager and project oversight team of a Finance committee and a Parish Council member were appointed.

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The first stage was to identify a firm of architects/surveyors to assist. Barkers were appointed in 2024 after a competitive tender exercise.

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Next, Barkers turned our rough plans into proper drawings and specifications - the detail took some time to agree, but we authorised them to send the plans and invite tenders from 5 companies in August 2025

At each stage, the Franciscans (OFM) who own the property were consulted, and gave their permission for us to proceed, especially given that the whole cost is rightly being borne by the Parish.

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We also obtained the necessary permission to proceed from the Diocese.

And of course ,our Finance Committee has been closely involved from the start to ensure not only that the job is affordable, but also that we are following correct procurement procedures.

Barkers assessed the three detailed tenders received and presented a report to the project team on 2nd September.