Update on Shelters and D J Ellis

[AndrewM]

The society understand that D.J Ellis, who were contracted to renovate the Victorian shelters have ceased trading.

The Ramsgate Society has known about this for some time and have taken step to minimise the effect on the completion of these shelters . The shelters will be completed on time but unfortunately there maybe some losses.

Jocelyn McCarthy
Society Chairperson

[AndrewM]

Ramsgate Society
Press Release

Re: DJ Ellis Construction, administration

On 28 May it was confirmed that DJ Ellis Construction has gone into administration. They were the main contractors for the Ramsgate Society’s project for the refurbishment of the 14 promenade shelters.

The pilot scheme consisting of two promenade shelters, one on the East Cliff and one on the West Cliff, was completed in April this year and they were officially opened on 27 April.

DJ Ellis Construction has been paid in full for the pilot scheme – a total of £76,564.96 paid on three invoices, signed off by the architects, Diocesan Architects, and authorised by the officer of the Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme currently being run by Thanet District Council.

The main subcontractors for the project, taken on by DJ Ellis, were Mather & Smith of Ashford who have carried out the major part of the work on the pilot project. Unfortunately, in May The Ramsgate Society were informed by the architect that the subcontractors had not have not been paid by D J Ellis for the work they carried out on the pilot scheme.

When invoice number four for the first part of the next stage of the project was submitted a decision was taken to withhold payment until all the subcontractors were paid. The Ramsgate Society has instructed Diocesan Architects to have discussions with the administrator with a view to engaging the subcontractor, Mather & Smith, to complete the work.

The balance of the funding remains with the Townscape Heritage Initiative Project Officer at TDC, who is fully appraised of the situation and in agreement with The Ramsgate Society’s instruction to the architects. Discussions continue with the subcontractors and the administrator, Moore Stephens LLP of Medway, to get this contract re-started within the next 7 to 10 days. The society is confident that these negotiations will secure the completion of the shelter renovation project before the end of 2012.