To help progress the restoration, we would really benefit from some professional assistance (preferably on a pro bono basis) in the following areas. If you are interested in any of these, please contact the Development Manager for an informal discussion.
07907 417604, 01246 389820, development@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk
Please note, there are no minimum time requirements or fixed schedules for any of these work elements to be delivered. However, due to the nature of the work being undertaken, it will be important that any work to which you commit is completed within a reasonable time frame or advised as soon as it is evident that this will not be possible. As such, we’d encourage anyone with an interest to get involved, but please be realistic about how much time you can and will want to give, and don’t agree to take on more than you are able to do! It also means that there is the potential for multiple people to fulfil each role.
Solicitor
The Trust needs to acquire the rights to restore the canal over third party land, either through purchase, long leasehold or wayleave agreements. As such, we are looking for the services of an experienced conveyancing solicitor to assist in our endeavours.
You would:
* Review existing land registry records and advise on the options for each situation.
* With regard to any legal restrictions, existing rights over the land and any ongoing liabilities, advise on the preferred option.
* Following this advice, other parties in the Trust will carry out any negotiations with the relevant third parties. You may be asked to be involved in these where necessary, but you would not be expected to lead negotiations.
* Following a provisional agreement, you would prepare, review and execute the legal documents to effect the agreement.
Note that there will also be other legal agreements required with time, although to protect our commercial interests these will only be discussed directly with potential volunteers when appropriate.
Construction Estimator
As the Trust finalises the designs and prepares to apply for funding, it is essential that we build up an accurate cost of the works. Previous high-level estimates have been prepared as part of previous reports, but now it is necessary to really get down into the detail. As such, we are looking for the services of an experienced construction estimator to assist in our endeavours.
You would:
* Work with the Development Manager to review existing cost estimates and determine where updates are necessary.
* Update cost estimates using current industry data and quotations for specific items where appropriate.
* Update the risk register to assess areas where there is uncertainty in the estimates.
* Work with the Development Manager and the Work Party to understand and assess where volunteer efforts can usefully reduce the cost.
* Assess the impact of optimism bias and construction inflation on the likely cost at the point of delivery.
Where the Trust is seeking funding for specific projects, you would also:
* Work with the Development Manager to understand the limits of the projects.
* Further refine the costs where necessary in light of any scope changes to the project.
* Present the construction costs and risks for inclusion in the funding bids.
Construction Planner
The Trust has set an ambitious target of completing the restoration by 2027. As we finalise the designs and prepare to apply for funding, it is essential that we start to build up a programme of works that delivers on that goal. As such, we are looking for the services of an experienced construction planner to assist in our endeavours.
You would:
* Prepare outline programmes for individual project elements, assuming a mixture of professional contractors and volunteer work parties as appropriate to the scheme.
* Work with the Development Manager to develop these into a master programme for the scheme as a whole and identify the critical path and long lead items.
* Assess the impact of optimism bias on any likely project, include appropriate float and assess likely completion dates.
Where the Trust is seeking funding for specific projects, you would also:
* Work with the Development Manager to understand the limits of the projects.
* Further refine the programme where necessary in light of any scope changes to the project.
* Present the construction programme and risks for inclusion in the funding bids.