Work is progressing at The Link community hub, so we spoke to Lily Humphries, apprentice project manager with Greenwood Projects to find out more.
Now in her third year at Aston University, Birmingham, Lily has been with Greenwood Projects for three years after completing a BTEC in Construction in the Built Environment. The Lichfield based company are providing project management and cost management services on behalf of Ashbourne Methodist Church throughout the duration of the construction works. The project will transform the existing church buildings on the corner of Church Street and Station Road, creating space for a wide range of community uses and events.
Ashbourne Methodist Church had been working on transforming their building into a community hub for a number of years before the possibility of UK Government funding. By the time of applying for Government funding, the church had already developed detailed plans, received planning permission and raised significant funding. The well-developed proposal for the community hub was a key factor in the eventual success of the Ashbourne Reborn programme partnership bid.
What do you find most interesting about the project?
The Link is the most interesting part of this project, it’s quite unusual for such a modern space to be attached to a church and it’s all about connecting the different bits so it will flow a lot better. The Gateway area and the accommodation is a nice touch too. Looking at the church you would never think all that would be underneath. It will be a nice place for people to go, with a welcoming touch to it.
What do you enjoy most about your role as apprentice project manager?
Construction is never boring. You get to meet so many different people, and with project management you’re constantly on your toes. I’m shadowing Adrian [Bates, associate project manager] a lot, so I’m learning how to do programme walkarounds, how to manage a project and coordinate requests for information. My role involves organising behind the scenes. I make sure that actions are chased and everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing, and sending out updates when the project moves onto different stages. It’s nice to see something physically happening on site. Week on week you can see such big changes.
What is it like working with the team from the Methodist Church?
They are very knowledgeable clients, it’s quite refreshing. They add a lot to the meetings, they know what they want, and they know how it works. You can see how much care they have for the project and how much they love it. I find it quite inspiring.
How will you feel when you see it all finished?
There’s a lot I’ve learned from this project, it’s the first one I’ve been on from the very start to the very end, so it’s going to be nice to see every stage. I think it will be quite sad that I’ll be leaving. It will be hard to say that I won’t be coming back. It will be rewarding obviously, and it will be great when it’s all done. There’s a lot of work that’s gone into it, the public are going to love it, 100%.
Read more on the Ashbourne Reborn website: The Link community hub
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