Friday 29th September, 2017 at 2:38pm
Project Manager appointed
Three Black Cats (TBC) has announced that Craig Dunn is the Project Manager for the investment company’s development of a new Training Ground for PTFC.
Craig, an experienced Architect and Project Manager, has joined the project having recently completed SSE’s new £20m landmark HQ in Reading. Over the last 17 years, Craig has built a strong reputation as an effective project manager as well as a highly regarded architect with an expertise in sustainable design and build. He is also a lifelong Jags fan and comes with a clear understanding of what is required in a training ground.
Project Team
Craig joins a Project Team led by Jacqui Low, who is TBC’s overall Director for the project representing the investors, supported by Daniel Tingley, Company Secretary for TBC and experienced finance/investment Director.
The club’s MD Ian Maxwell leads on the project for Thistle, drawing in support and expertise from Directors, management team and staff as things develop. He and Craig have already established regular meetings to progress matters from the club’s perspective.
A number of consultants have been retained by TBC to support the project. John Costello, Callander Estates, is the agent tasked with identifying the right site; David McRae, Just Employment Law, is providing employment advice; and Graham Richmond, Curle Stewart, is handling all related contracts and agreements across the lifetime of the project. Other suppliers/contractors will join as required.
So far members of the Project Team has visited Rangers’ training ground at Auchenhowie and Fleetwood Town’s training ground, in addition to reviewing Shrewsbury Town’s recently built facility. The team also has plans to visit Hibs’ training ground in order to get a rounded idea of what works as well as what mistakes to avoid.
Project Board
A Project Board has been established to meet with the investors at regular intervals. In addition to the TBC representatives, PTFC’s MD Ian Maxwell, Chairman David Beattie and Manager Alan Archibald sit on the Board. Again, other Directors, staff and contractors will be involved as required.
Site options
The project team has already whittled a huge number of potential sites down to a very short list and hopes to be in a position to purchase the chosen plot soon. This would see work starting as soon as any necessary permissions have been given in order to meet the completion deadline of summer 2019.
However given timescales, work has already been going on in parallel to identify a design scheme for the build, including costings and initial designs for the building and outdoor space, with visits to similar facilities underway to learn from others’ experiences. Discussions with Thistle around their detailed requirements are well developed and are informing the design process. There is also a preferred suppliers list for all aspects of the project being developed, from construction to pitch building to fitting out, with a timeline from now to completion.
With contractors identified and ready to go, this should also help with ensuring the project meets deadlines and budgets.
