Chris Burton (Park Manager) introduced the Fire Damage Options Appraisal and discussed:

a)     The fire at the Barrow Centre in February 2025 had been a tragic and unexpected event, affecting residents, businesses, and visitors to the Country Park;

b)    Over 40 fire officers had attended the incident, and the community response had been exceptional, with support coordinated by Councillor Kate Ewert;

c)     The incident had diverted capacity from other projects due to its urgency and had financial implications, including insurance considerations;

d)    The report presented to the Committee included an options appraisal for the refurbishment of the Barrow Centre, with four options considered and a recommended approach from officers;

e)     Members were invited to review the detailed documentation and consider the officer recommendation;

Tamsin Daniel (Protected and Historic Landscapes Manager, Cornwall Council) introduced the appraisal and discussed:

f)      Arcadis and Bailey’s Partnership had been engaged to conduct the options appraisal and condition survey;

g)     Four options were considered, with Option 2 recommended: a sympathetic restoration that met current building regulations and improved commercial potential;

h)    A like-for-like restoration (Option 1) was not feasible due to regulatory constraints;

i)      Option 2 allowed for internal layout improvements, fire regulation compliance, and enhanced functionality;

j)      Decarbonisation measures were included where feasible, such as high-efficiency heating systems and LED lighting;

k)     The building’s Grade II listing and location within a Grade I park imposed planning constraints;

l)      Insurance requirements mandated completion within two years, limiting the scope for extended funding exploration;

m)   The restoration would not preclude future enhancements, including further decarbonisation measures;

n)    A heritage impact assessment would be undertaken, and planning applications submitted;

o)    Bailey’s Partnership would manage the project through tender preparation, building consent, and delivery;

In response to questions, the Committee discussed:

p)    The future use of the restored accommodation, with officers confirming it would be reinstated for residential use, subject to a future business case;

q)    The importance of keeping divisional members informed, particularly where cross-boundary governance was involved;

r)     A commitment was made to engage local councillors following  the next working group meeting;

s)     The need to ensure planning and communications were coordinated to avoid community confusion;

t)     The structural integrity of the roof trusses was discussed, with officers confirming that new trusses would meet modern standards and accommodate future infrastructure;

u)    The restoration would use slate roofing and robust materials, with flexibility for future decarbonisation;

v)     The project would include energy efficiency upgrades, such as LED lighting, and would improve upon the previous building’s standards;

w)   The impact on businesses during construction was considered, with scaffolding delayed until September to avoid disruption during peak season;

x)    Officers confirmed that scaffolding would be self-supporting and erected by mid-October, with winter works planned to minimise business impact;

y)     The restoration process could serve as a public engagement opportunity, showcasing traditional building techniques and attracting interest during the low season;

z)     A technical question was raised regarding the use of the SCAPE framework and subcontracting to Arcadis. Officers confirmed that Arcadis held the overarching contract and subcontracted to Bailey’s Partnership for delivery, with no additional cost to the councils.

Action: Officers to provide a written response regarding the SCAPE framework and subcontracting arrangements with Arcadis.

The Committee agreed:

1. To endorse Option 2 – a sympathetic restoration of the fire-damaged areas of the Grade II listed Barrow Centre, incorporating necessary regulatory upgrades for compliance with current building regulations;

2. To note that the recommendation would be referred to the relevant Cabinet Members of Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council for formal approval;

3. To request that local Councillors and Co-chairs were engaged following the next working group meeting.