Brent's Barham Park is facing budget challenges for planned building repairs, the Barham Park Trust Committee heard on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. The committee learned that without new income streams to replenish restricted funds, the Trust will face increasing challenges in maintaining the building in a safe and serviceable condition.
Essential repairs to the Barham Park building complex, including roof and render repairs, window replacements, and external redecorations, are at risk after all bids exceeded the available £352,221 budget. The budget breakdown includes £266,834 for refurbishment works, £26,683 for professional fees, and £58,704 for VAT allowance (20%).
The Charity Commission has approved the use of restricted funds for the project, but OCR Surveying Ltd, the Trust's property consultant, is now in talks with bidders to find cost-saving measures through value engineering and scope adjustments.
The committee was told that a competitive tender was issued in May 2025, but all bids exceeded the available budget. Using £352,221 from restricted funds for the year one building works will almost fully commit the Trust's restricted reserves.
The Trust's financial position was discussed at the meeting. As of March 2025:
- Unrestricted funds: £342,228, with a current liability of £16,034.
- Restricted funds: £369,978, before the anticipated commitment of £352,221 for year one building works.
- Lettings income: Currently £70,171 per annum.
- Funfair income: Forecast at £42,313 for 2025/26.
The Watts Building Survey identified £695,050 of necessary repairs over the next 10 years, including the current works. The Public reports pack Tuesday 09-Sep-2025 10.00 Barham Park Trust Committee contains more information.
