The roof of a well used community hall needs to be replaced at a likely cost of more than £22,000.
But it is expected to be business as usual at Alsager Institute, which will not need to be vacated during the work.
A survey of the flat roof section of the Institute, on Green Drive, has been carried out, which found the waterproofing has reached the end of its serviceable life.
Its condition was rated as “bad” and a replacement within six to 12 months has been recommended.
Alsager Town Council, the Institute’s trustees, obtained three quotes for repairs to the flat roof, measuring 83 sq m, ranging from £8,400 to £27,913.
A report prepared for a town council meeting next Tuesday, 6th January, recommends that a quote for the repair work of £22,939 is approved as the roof “requires urgent refurbishment to prevent water ingress and improve energy efficiency”.
It is anticipated that vacating the premises during the work will not be necessary as the roof will only be stripped back to the timber decking, which is believed to be unaffected by water ingress.
The report said the contractor who had provided the preferred quote “brings a strong track record”, having successfully completed projects for other councils, the NHS and Royal Mail.
It added the combination of “proven contractor competence, product longevity, and manufacturer backed assurance provides excellent value and mitigates long term risk for the council”.
The resolution requested at next month’s meeting is that the town council instructs the preferred contractor to provide a new roof at the Institute at a cost of £19,116.42 excluding VAT, and this will include a contingency of £883.
The Institute, on Green Drive, is operated by the town council as a trust. It can be used for one off events such as children’s birthday parties or for weekly classes and groups.
Among the groups who use it are Alsager Ju Jitsu Club, Alsager Community Theatre, Lynn Cox School of Dance, The Den Out of School Club and Kidsgrove Care Solutions.
Its history goes back to 1948 when Alsager Urban District Council was appointed as trustees of the charity, called Alsager Institute.
Following local government reorganisation in 1974, the trusteeship was transferred to Alsager Town Council. As trustees, the town council appointed an Institute Committee, consisting of seven members of the town council who are responsible for the overall management and control of the Institute and bowling green.
(Photo: ATC).
