CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BIRD OBSERVATORY AT HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE, HARTLEPOOL HEADLAND BRIEF TO CONSULTANTS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Transcription

1 CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BIRD OBSERVATORY AT HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE, HARTLEPOOL HEADLAND BRIEF TO CONSULTANTS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE, HARTLEPOOL HEADLAND May 2006 TBC COMMITTEE/ RPT009(REV A)/ECP _ Page No 1

2 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Since 1960 the (TBC) has used the old First World War lookout post within the Heugh Battery compound on Hartlepool Headland as a seawatching observatory for the study and recording of migratory seabirds. The lookout, known as Hartlepool Observatory, has become nationally famous for the variety and number of seabirds that pass along this section of the UK s coastline. The Observatory features in all the nationally published site guides and attracts significant numbers of birdwatchers at certain times of the year. Birders have an excellent rapport with the local Headlanders. 1.2 Heugh Battery is owned by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Observatory was leased to the TBC, for which it paid rent and rates. Unfortunately, following the establishment of the Heugh Gun Battery Trust (HGBT) in recent years, the Council terminated TBC s lease in 2004 and reassigned this to the Trust, whose aim is to restore the Battery compound as a First World War visitor attraction. This ended the TBC s long association with Hartlepool Observatory and created significant local press and TV coverage. 1.3 Negotiations with PD Teesport (formerly the Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority) have resulted in the offer of a new site in the adjacent Heugh Lighthouse compound, which it owns. HEUGH BATTERY WITH THE FORMER HARTLEPOOL OBSERVATORY LOOKOUT ON THE RIGHT BIRDERS NOW HAVE TO BRAVE THE ELEMENTS OUT IN THE OPEN 2.0 PURPOSE OF THIS BRIEF 2.1 The Purpose of this Brief to outline the requirements of the Feasibility Study and the desired outputs. 3.0 THE BRIEF Feasibility Study 3.1 TBC wishes to commission architectural consultants to provide appropriate information to progress a scheme for the building a new bird observatory at Heugh Lighthouse, Hartlepool Headland. 3.2 The Feasibility Study will include: (i) An appraisal of the feasibility of the proposed project as set out in this Brief, including the identification of any opportunities for or constraints to development. _ Page No 2

3 (ii) (iii) (iv) A measured site survey sufficient for the preparation of Outline Designs. Outline Design drawings, broadly showing the external appearance and internal layout of the building, which shall be agreed with ourselves, PD Teesport and Hartlepool Borough Council. A broad estimate of costs to see the project through to Final Completion, including: (i) (ii) (iii) estimated design fees for the preparation of detailed designs/working drawings, cost estimates, tendering, supervision of construction on site (the level of the latter shall be determined by the Consultant) and Planning Supervisor s duties; estimated contractor s construction and maintenance costs, and costs associated with obtaining detailed Planning and any other approvals post-feasibility. (v) (vi) A meeting with the Local Planning Authority and PD Teesport to secure broad agreement to the Outline Design proposals. Identification of possible sources of funding for the project. 3.3 The information provided will enable the TBC to apply for funding and sponsorship. 4.0 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS The Site 4.1 The proposed site for the new Observatory lies within the Headland Conservation Area and the Outline Design will need to take account of this. A traditional or more contemporary design approach can be considered, provided that it meets the approval of the Local Planning Authority and PD Teesport. Building Location 4.2 The Observatory is to be built on to the existing Coastguard Lookout, which will be extended seawards to a point just behind the existing fence line (see site photographs in Appendix 2). The width and height of the new building should be increased if necessary to maximise the accommodation space. Accommodation Required 4.3 The accommodation shall consist of 2 storeys, each providing elevated, uninterrupted, panoramic views of the sea to the front and sides of the building, similar to the old Observatory. The viewing openings must be secured with strong metal shutters, with only one central, vertical support, if possible, in order to avoid obstructing views of the sea. The shutters shall be of the electronically-operated roller type, or similar, or, alternatively, easy-to-open manual shutters. Electronic shutters must incorporate a manual override facility should the motor or power supply fail. All steelwork must be resistant to the highly corrosive effects of salt spray and galvanised, polyester powder-coated steelwork should be considered, costs permitting. The lowest viewing opening should be at least 3m above ground level to deter vandals and to reduce spray from the sea. The openings should have sloping sills to shed water when the shutters are closed. _ Page No 3

4 4.4 Each of the 2 upper storeys will have two tiered rows of fixed or adjustable/movable benches, covered with thick, durable, waterproof cushioning for comfort. The back row will be higher than the front, to enable those at the rear views out over the sea above the heads of those in front. Footrests will be required for both rows and there must be sufficient space between the rows to accommodate telescopes on tripods. Indeed, the ergonomics of the seating is critical, as observers spend long periods seawatching during peak migration times in spring and autumn and comfort must be maximised. The ground floor area will be used for general storage, noticeboards and incidental seating and to get occasional respite during cold weather conditions. Disabled Access 4.5 A ramped access to the lower level should be considered to allow disabled access. Services 4.6 An internal light and single power point should be provided on both upper floors and the entrance area at ground floor level will require a light and a double power point as part of the internal design. No other internal services are required. External and Internal Access 4.7 Access to the new Observatory building will be via the gate to the existing Heugh Lighthouse. A separate door into the new building will be required, which should be in heavy duty steel, with a highly secure locking mechanism and access by key. A safe, internal staircase should be provided to give access to the first and second storeys from ground floor level. An external staircase can be considered, if the designers consider this to be more appropriate, though this will require separate entrances to each floor. Form and Appearance 4.8 The form and appearance of the building and the construction materials must respect the historic nature of this site. The existing Coastguard Lookout is constructed out of brick, which has been painted white. More modern materials can be considered, provided that these meet with the approval of the Local Planning Authority and PD Teesport. Further Information 4.09 PD Teesport holds information on the current services on site and will confirm these on request. As this site is locked, site visits for the purpose of tendering can be arranged by contacting Andrew Ridley of PD Teesport (see paragraph 7.2). Costs 4.11 The costs of the project will be of paramount importance and must reflect the fact that the TBC is a small, registered charity. Levering funds from sponsors will, therefore, be critical to the success of this scheme. 5.0 TIMESCALE FOR THE FEASIBILITY STUDY 5.1 The timescale for the completion of the Feasibility Study will be 10 weeks from the date of appointment. The start date will be agreed with the successful consultant. _ Page No 4

5 6.0 SERVICES AND FEES 6.1 A lump sum fee is required for undertaking the services set out in this Brief for the preparation of the Feasibility Study. This shall be inclusive of all normal out-of-pocket expenses. Consultants are required to complete the pricing document in Appendix CONTACTS 7.1 The client contact for this Feasibility Study is Ted Parker, Chairman,, at 9 Morton Carr Lane, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS7 0JU (Tel: ; ecparker@supanet.com). 7.2 Further information on the site can be obtained from Andrew Ridley, Conservancy Operations Manager, PD Teesport, Vulcan Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1LX (Tel: ; andrew.ridley@pdports.co.uk). 7.3 The contact for Hartlepool Borough Council is: Sarah Scarr, Landscape and Conservation Manager (Tel: ). All outline designs must be acceptable to the Local Planning Authority. 8.0 INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER THIS TENDER 8.1 In addition to their priced tender in Appendix 1, the consultants should also provide the following: HARTLEPOOL HEADLAND SHOWING THE LOCATION OF HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE Brief details of their Practice. Relevant experience (including examples of some past similar projects). A brief outline of their approach to this Feasibility Study. Any in-house or associated specialist skills. It is stressed that only brief details are required to reduce the time and cost to consultants in responding to this Brief. _ Page No 5

6 APPENDIX 1 CONSULTANT S TENDER PRICE FOR THE FEASIBILITY STUDY Name of Firm: Address:.... Contact Name:.. Tel: I/We undertake to carry out all services (inclusive of normal out-of pocket expenses and VAT) in connection with this Feasibility for the Sum of (WHICH SHALL CONSTITUTE A FIXED AND FIRM PRICE) Signed Date. On behalf of:. Please Note: The receipt of tenders by the does not guarantee acceptance of one, or any, of the tenders for this Feasibility Study. Tenders shall remain open and valid for a period of 6 months from the date of receipt. _ Page No 6

7 New Observatory at Heugh Lighthouse, Hartlepool Headland May 2006 APPENDIX 2 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Existing Coastguard Lookout HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE LOOKING NORTH Coastguard Lookout HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE LOOKING EAST HEUGH LIGHTHOUSE SHOWING COASTGUARD LOOKOUT: It is proposed to build the new Observatory in front of this building, to which it may be attached. COASTGUARD LOOKOUT LOOKING SOUTH _ Page No 7