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Big Build- The Foundations

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The Foundations

 

Why is this Project Important?

To ensure SAYFC will continue to have a central base for staff and volunteers, whilst maintaining a strong presence at the Royal Highland Show and providing financial stability. This centre will serve as a focal point for coordinating activities, facilitating communication, and fostering a sense of community among members.

Additionally, continuing to have a strong presence at the Royal Highland Show will enhance the organisation’s public profile and outreach efforts. And from a financial standpoint, a stable base would enable better management and allocation of resources, contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of SAYFC’s programmes and initiatives.

 

Feasibility Study

As part of the Big Build project, SAYFC carried out a feasibility study around what the best possible course of action for the Association would be. As doing nothing simply wasn’t an option due to the condition of the existing Young Farmers Centre.

 

 

Option One: Refurbishment

The first option involved refurbishing the existing building, which would reduce environmental impact by reusing much of the structure and lowering emissions. However, being 60 years old, the building needed upgrades in insulation, services, heating, ventilation, and non-compliant interior spaces like toilets. Refurbishment also required asbestos removal and external overcladding for improved appearance, making this option potentially costly and limiting design flexibility.

Refurbishment limited flexibility due to the constraints of the existing building. Significant costs were anticipated for extensive updates and compliance with current standards. (estimated cost Β£1.9m).

Option Two: Temporary Structure

Temporary structures can seem cost-effective when used infrequently, but become expensive with frequent use due to recurring building warrant fees and setup costs. They are only allowed for limited periods and often lack heating and ventilation, restricting event types. Additionally, they require significant planning time and may not aesthetically match surrounding buildings.

While meeting basic needs initially, temporary structures are not sustainable for regular use as cumulative costs rise over time. Therefore, this option was not pursued further.

Option Three: New Build

Building new is costly but offers maximum flexibility and meets all required specifications. It complies with safety standards, building regulations, and current thermal and environmental performance standards, leading to lower operational costs and reduced carbon emissions. The structure can be tailored in size and positioned effectively.

A new build best fulfils the Associations requirements and allows for future adaptability, providing high-quality facilities at lower ongoing costs compared to refurbishment or temporary structures.