Creating a new building for children and young people  Sue Martin thinks about one of our current projects... A piece of project musing that is posted regularly on our site... Phones, Pin Boards and other Unaccountable costly necessities Children Centre Premises - Support and Understanding At the end of a building project there are always a number of things that are still needed, colours aren't quite as you expected, finishes you are certain you never ordered and the hand over date getting closer and closer. We are currently working with Newport Children Centre in East London and are pleased to say that the premises are now looking fantastic, the final touches are being added now, the cctv is installed, the colours of the soft play area are about to go down and we are getting excited about the little blue river that will be part of the play scene. The centre itself is based in the heart of Leyton, five minutes from the High st, yet it is in an area that forms part of a green corridor for wildlife and is close to a quiet play area, nestling in a hollow. Part of the support that we have been able to provide Newport Children Centre is some expertise and imaginative thoughts on premises needs for Children Centres, both in the administrative section and family areas and in the Nursery, which is an integral part of the centre and is adapted to easily manage the different needs of children for the whole day.  As always, the capital monies are never quite enough but there are ways in which combinations of needs and creative methods can help to give a building that is not just 'fit for purpose' but has something special and little touches that help it feel a great place for children and families. At Newport we think this will be the palm tree leaves at the reception which are being designed by an artist and made by the children, or it could be the large outside play area, with river and sand effect that is easily accessed through some amazing glass panels that help the concept of the 'Inside/Outside Curriculum'. In London Borough of Waltham Forest the Children Services team support the project management with the construction company and in partnership with Norfolk Property Services(London). We work alongside them on behalf of the Children Centre and the school to ensure that the premises best fits the needs of the children and families for whom the centre is going to help them get the best start in life. We work with the guidelines provided by Together for Children and SureStart and bring these and our own experience and skill sets into the development of the project. For more information visit; www.newportchildrencentre.org.uk www.togetherforchildren.org.uk www.surestart.gov.uk www.ridgewayparkchildrencentre.org.uk Our original buildings for children article... NEW BUILDINGS FOR CHILDREN Working with multi-agency teams to deliver building projects for children. SmithMartin can help you to deliver the project from concept to opening the doors. The expectation that by 2008 there will be 2500 Sure Start Children's Centres across England is fantastic news for children, families and communities. What an opportunity for Local Authorities and Children's Services teams to develop effective community resources  bringing together services for children under five and their families. But, it brings with it a certain sense of panic; how to actually deliver these projects that will be just what the community needs and on time. Large amounts of capital expenditure are available and the necessity that this money is spent wisely and effectively to create a visionary centre for the future is both incredibly exciting but can also be daunting. With a positive mind set, a committed team of professionals, involvement of the local community and a pragmatic set of working plans the project can be set under way. Useful interent links: Organisations such as Sure Start and CABE have produced documents which are very useful guides to both setting up, design and process, details:- www.surestart.gov.uk/publications Buildings for Sure Start Capital Process for Children's Centre Guidance Children's Centre Implementation Plan www.cabe.org.uk  Building for Sure Start-Integrated Services for Children -10 Top Tips There is a huge need for management of the project, Local Authority Children's Services teams have the option of either using their own staff or commissioning the work to outside agencies. Below is a summary of ways that can help you achieve your vision, by not only using the funding windows available, but actually making it happen. SmithMartin can help you to achieve your vision. WWW SmithMartin website The Planning Stage: Combined team of professionals, including architects, community users,children's workforce professionals, construction managers, finance management. Creation of a design brief. Creation of design teams. Ensure that the voice of the users are heard, either through consultation or professional children's service workers. This will be essential when it comes to the delivery of the project. Leave plenty of time for the planning, it will be easier to get it right at the beginning. Allow a programme for changes near to completion, to ensure that your building is fit for purpose. Large retail companies allow at least 10% of the original budget for this. Go for the best you can within the budget. Create timed action plans, which are critical. The Construction Process: The first bricks/foundations are a real joy. Start marketing now. Ensure that someone is responsible for keeping check on the buildings progress. Timing is crucial and need to be monitored.(These may seem obvious but slippage is easy to achieve and hard to catch up). Bring in help around delivery of an effective marketing programme. Ordering equipment and resources should be in hand but make sure they still meet requirements. Maintain constant dialogue with community and user groups. Make sure that inspecting agencies(Ofsted) are involved and aware of opening dates. Don't lose sight of the vision. The Point of Completion: Receiving possession date of the building from the contractor is a major process. Opening the doors for the community and to deliver on time is really important.(Construction companies are used to having  to pay penalties for late delivery). Children will already be booked into the facilities and these will need to be inspected before use. Snagging issues for the building need to be constantly checked and ensure that they are completed satisfactorily before the construction firm moves off site. Is the building still 'fit for purpose'. Consider using the budget for adjustment. New staff will have been employed, what challenges do they find? Don't lose sight of the vision. Achievement and Celebration: When it is actually finished, take time to look at what has been achieved. Once children and families start to use the building it will come alive and that is when the real work will begin. The building is essentially just the shell, but it should create... a real 'wow' feel. a place people will  want to come to. a place where they will want their children to be. Above all:- Stay enthusiastic. Keep sight of the vision. Go for the best you can. SmithMartin and their associates can help you to deliver your building project. Our projects section has information on recent building and change management projects.