2020... What a very challenging, transformative but surprisingly productive year for Future Dreams. On the cusp of lockdown in March 2020, immediately after our International Women’s Day event, the trustees had to make some difficult decisions to safeguard the charity and enable us to deal with the unprecedented and uncertain times that lay ahead. These decisions have changed the way we will work in the future. An already lean and nimble team, we became even more so. We will do everything to prevent the disruption or permanent harming of our future plans to support those touched by breast cancer. The good news is that the much-needed Future Dreams House, while delayed, is still on course. Builders had started on site in January 2020 but were promptly shut down eight weeks later due to Covid-19 legislation. We waited patiently for government guidance as to when the construction could resume. Work on site finally recommenced mid-May, with the quick completion of the soft-strip-out, which included asbestos clearance and the removal of the main roof coverings aided by a full scaffold and temporary roof. A new lift was ordered and structural alterations commenced, including lift-shaft adaptations, new full-height stairwell, raising the main roof and strengthening the existing timber floors. Setting-out of internal walls and partitions were completed in late July, with mechanical and electrical designs being finalised with a view to starting first-fix installations in early August. This included plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, lighting, and power to suit end-user requirements. We are really grateful to have a fully committed management and construction team. The building is certainly taking shape and we are aiming for a new completion date of spring/summer 2021. It is six months later than originally planned, but in the light of the pandemic we have still made amazing progress.
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