Agenda item - Chairs Communications

43.1      The Chair provided the following communications:

“In relation to the Stanmer Park restoration project, we awarded the contract for the main restoration works to Buxton Building Contractors, with the value of £5m. Buxtons started on site in June and the works are scheduled for completion in September 2020.

In spite of the rain and muddy conditions, the walled garden has been cleared and work is progressing well on repairing the garden wall, refurbishing the listed buildings and construction of the new café in the walled garden.

Plumpton College will move their classrooms teaching into what were previously council offices within the walled garden in January, after which their existing temporary classrooms and structures will be cleared from the Patchway area.

Work has recently begun on the wider landscape works, including the start of construction of the welcome kiosk at Lower Lodges.

A cross-party Stanmer Park Member Working Group has been established, with its first meeting to take place on 5^th December.

A dedicated Estate Manager has been appointed, to be funded by the project for two and a half years. The Estate Manger will work with stakeholders to agree a vision for the Stanmer Estate, then plan for managing the estate while making it financially viable”.