Partner Article

Actua undertake pre-acquisition on Barrow AFC ground

Liverpool-based chartered surveyors Actua have been employed by Barrow Bluebirds Ltd to undertake a Pre-acquisition Survey on Barrow AFC football ground.

The inspection has left the head of Barrow Bluebirds, American millionaire, Paul Casson, facing a hefty £400K bill when the site is acquired.

The team, which specialises in the delivery of building surveying and commercial property consultancy, inspected the buildings and stadium structure under a tight timescale to meet with the short programme of the final stages of the Barrow Bluebirds’ proposed takeover. They also provided a commentary as to the condition including any recommendations and indicative costs for immediate issues, essential remedial work or further investigations.

Actua identified substantial amounts of ‘urgent work’ needed to the grounds and reported it as having ‘potentially unstable floodlight structures’ which would need urgent attention during the next 12 months.

The estimated cost of replacing the floodlight structure and lamps is around £100,000, which is the most expensive of the 30 identified improvements listed on the report.

The chartered surveyors also advised on Statutory Compliance issues in the premises in line with disabled access, fire precautions, legionella and asbestos legislation.

The total estimate of short-term essential works and improvements recommended by Actua totals £382,000.

MMA Consulting Engineers and HL Structural Engineers were employed by Actua on a sub-consultancy basis to carry out an assessment of the mechanical and electrical installations and any structural issues arising during the acquisition. .

Director of Liverpool-based Actua, David Sharp said: “It’s great to be working on high profile projects like the Barrow FC acquisition. Securing this contract has allowed us to establish a foot-hold in a whole new market and raise our profile as one of the leading surveying firms in the North West.”

Paul Casson, head of Barrow Bluebirds also added “Actua provided valuable assistance in our proposed acquisition of Barrow AFC. Their staff, while on site, all acted according to the highest professional standards. The resulting report was detailed, easy to read, well organized, and will be a valuable tool as we begin to improve the stadium.”

For more information on Actua visit www.actuabc.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Dan Minchin .