The Holdings Board Directors recently reviewed the status of the Bridgnorth
Project. Following completion of Phase I - The Refreshment Room, a Project Team
has been progressing on plans and obtaining tenders for the Bridgnorth Turntable
pit, restoration of the Turntable, renewal of track work in Bridgnorth yard and the
provision of a new loco pit.
The civils costs for the turntable have been received. However only two companies
during the tender period quoted and those two quotes had massive variances and
much more expensive than first envisaged. The Directors agreed that as this is the
case a longer tender period would be given and more companies encouraged to
tender for the work. This will inevitably delay this phase of the development
sadly.
The Project Team, with the help from architect Phil Howl, is developing;
plans and costs for improvements in the public realm specifically the area
around the station building, refreshment room, donkey gallop and the area
by the level crossing.
plans for the development of the station building conservation and extension
of the Bar are also being reviewed and a cost estimate will be established
for this Phase.
The Board will then be in a better position to assess the plans and costs for the
remaining phases of the project, and make an informed decision on how these
phases will progress, utilising the remaining share offer funds and other
opportunities such as applications to grant giving bodies.
Nick Ralls
General Manager
This is becoming to be known "As the project never mentioned" look through all the SVR News article both in the SVR news, local press and notice boards and you never hear a mention about this outstanding project . The SVRlive site was last updated in October 2019 on this project. AGM have come and gone and I am told the only mention was that the contract recently completed was subject to a CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE and lessons have been learnt. I have written to the Director and General Manager of SVR seeking information ( 22-01-21 via The Royal Mail as emails are not answered) still had no reply.
This leaves me to speculate that the money that was ring fenced…
A summary of the various phases and how at different dates they have moved can be found at https://www.svrwiki.com/Bridgnorth#Evolution_of_plans
Robert
The statement issued by Nick Ralls indicating that only two companies made a tender return and that the Board had made the decision to retender giving more time, This seems to be a sensible approach. However it may also indicate that there is no enthusiasm on the part of the contracting industry to take up this project. This may be due to the fact that there is not enough profit or the project is not attractive, im sure the board have debated this issue.
It may be that to make the project attractive the board may have to combine other like phases with the Turntable such as the Public Realm and the Donkey Gallop area etc. What must no…
Stephen, thank you for that. I was unaware of that statement and quite clearly phase 1 has not been completed. How do we bring our views to the attention of the decision makers? I would think that the majority of shareholders may be unhappy with the current situation particularly those who have bought shares for this project.
Robert I agree with your views and i am reminded that the Share Offer clearly states " Phase one the project consists of the constructionof a new refreshment room and toilet facility, a building faithful toGreat WesternRailway design, the conservation of the Grade II listed station building, expansion of the Railwayman's Arms bar and location of the shop allowing the reconstruction of the passengers' Victorian room." So from my point of view Phase one has not been completed. I have also heard that the project may be running short on finance and take the same view as yourself that the emphasis should be on maximising resources to increase and improve passenger experience and generate income. Perhaps it is time f…