On Wednesday 16 September members of the Futures Group attended a presentation of the HRI Architects report together with associated drawings, details, costings and specification information. The report and associated documents develop the project concepts to the RIBA outline stage C. This provides the MFG with the technical and costing estimates necessary to apply for the next stage of lottery funding.

The presentation and report is to provide the MFG with a set of proposals for consideration. These initial proposals are subject to adjustment if either the MFG or interested members of the Maryburgh community can identify changes that could be incorporated to enhance the proposals.

The Preferred Option 5 site layout proposed by the MFG in July 2013 has been developed into 4 distinct zones

• Zone 1 – Housing Site (Former Primary School) redeveloped for housing. The Options Appraisal carried out by Ryden LLP both the school building and playground area should be developed for residential use.

• Zone 2 – Public Open Space developed in a careful and limited way, by re-landscaping the central area to raise the finished ground level and remove the existing dip. Additional paths to the perimeter and linking the public footpath on Proby Street. Forming an informal “pitch and putt” facility adjoining the football pitch and creating a “tree grid” arboretum to provide high colour variations together with a pergola over a paved area incorporating artwork, heritage features, memorial seating and picnic area.

• Zone 3 – Football Pitch to be re-aligned to increase area of Zone 4 and upgraded with appropriate lighting to extend usage potential.

• Zone 4 – Community Hub and associated “Village Square” current amenities centre to be re-planned and redeveloped to form a new community hub to maximise flexible usage.

Excluding professional fees and VAT the initial estimates of the project cost prepared by Torrance Partnership LLP are approximately £ 900,000 – £1,200,000.