While the project delivery stage comes later, many problems that may arise at that time are rooted in the project development stage of a community-led building project – this is why it is important to develop a project proposal to preempt any problems and build in flexibility where possible.
A project plan is required to guide project delivery. It should include a set of aims and objectives to underpin the overall direction of the project and these should be periodically re-visited to ensure that the project is progressing properly.
The project plan will set out a schedule of works or activities necessary to deliver the project and will identify key milestones. The complexity of the project plan will depend on the scale and complexity of the project.
In some instances, a site or building may already have been identified or brought under the control of the community organisation leading the project. In other cases, it may be necessary to acquire land or buildings. In these instances, it is important to be very sure that the land or buildings can be secured before serious time or financial resources are committed to developing the project.
Site or building acquisition may be undertaken through the open market, through local authority asset transfer, compulsory purchase by the local authority, partnerships with property owning organisations or other means. It may involve purchase, leasing, rental or other arrangements. Site or Building Selection Before searching for a site or building, it is necessary to prepare a clear specification based on the needs of the project. This may include a number of factors:
One of the greatest challenges in delivering community projects is putting together the funding to cover the capital costs.
These are the main areas of project cost:
Some options for funding include:
The project development and design stage is crucial, both in ensuring smooth delivery at the construction phase, and making sure that the end result is fit for purpose and delivers quality and value for money. Areas of development and design include:
Before a project may progress, and often before land is acquired or funding bids are submitted, it is necessary to make sure the required permissions are obtained and standards are met. Statutory consents include:
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