Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

englishangel wrote: I am open to offers

.... and that statement from Mrs Angry of Amersham ???????????????

The mind boggles !

J.R. wrote:

englishangel wrote: I am open to offers

.... and that statement from Mrs Angry of Amersham ???????????????

The mind boggles !

I'm not familiar with much of the inner workings of the Masterplan, but, while it did seem like a very good idea and a good remake of the school's image, I also can't understand where all the money went. Then again (and I'm no architect / structural engineer) the CH Horsham buildings are quite old, and I'm not sure how long they were supposed to stay up for when they were initially built. If they were indeed beginning to weaken, then it wouldn't have been just stripping them out and "redecorating", but more rebuilding the whole house while keeping the outer shell in place - not something cheap nor easy to do, I think you'll agree. I suppose only someone who has/had access to the project could shed some light on the subject though.

As for the two-tier project, I think it's a really bad idea. In my opinion one of the school's strong points was/is the fact that it attempted to make all pupils equal - which will all fall apart instantly if what's been said to happen actually happens. We'll just have to wait for more news

Maybe they should 'downgrade' the other houses!

I am sorry to say this, and call me 'sad' if you like, but I am a big fan of 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' where a team of Designers, builders etc upgrade a US home to top specs.

Sometimes they have to demolish the entire thing and start again.

They do it in 7 days, having sent the deserving homeowners away on a great holiday.

The budget is $1 million.

I repeat, how can you spend £2.1 million on upgrading a brick built house?

My knowledge of architecture, civil engineering, surveying etc can be summarised on the back of a postage stamp.

However it might be that, because the buildings are listed, improvements that would normally be expected to cost £x cost £y because the normal trade shortcuts can't be taken.

Just a thought. I'm playing Devil's advocate really.

Good point, BUT are the houses not yet done, which are going to be done more cheaply also listed?

englishangel wrote:Good point, BUT are the houses not yet done, which are going to be done more cheaply also listed?

That is also a good point. Yes the "unimproved" houses are also listed as far as I know. That MIGHT explain why they are having to be improved to an inferior specification because of the budget shortfall.

If you go into one of the boarding houses that have been refurbished you get lost very quickly - about the only familiar thing are the staircases - the internal design has been changed that much - probably too much imho...

My assumption is that the 'lesser' boarding houses will be rewired, re-painted, new loos etc... - probably what they should have done in the first place...

Great Plum wrote:If you go into one of the boarding houses that have been refurbished you get lost very quickly - about the only familiar thing are the staircases - the internal design has been changed that much - probably too much imho...

My assumption is that the 'lesser' boarding houses will be rewired, re-painted, new loos etc... - probably what they should have done in the first place...

That was exactly my impression when I looked over Coleridge B last year, Plum. I agree a certain amount of improvement was needed, but the term, 'Pushing the Boat out...' springs to mind.

I was a little dissappointed not to see into the new Grecian's houses on The Mile.

What level of luxury do they enjoy now ?

Grecians houses - well, nice big individual rooms (with wash basin) in a "pod" of 4-6 rooms, shower, bath, loos in each "pod", plus kitchen - microwave, hob, but, surprisingly, no oven! Dishwashers were installed to start with but very few left in working condition, so dishes remain unwashed! Large common room area with 2 tvs (+video/dvd of course!) and pool table. Library area up stairs leading from common room.
There are some photos somewhere on the forum, I believe.

Mrs C. wrote:Grecians houses - well, nice big individual rooms (with wash basin) in a "pod" of 4-6 rooms, shower, bath, loos in each "pod", plus kitchen - microwave, hob, but, surprisingly, no oven! Dishwashers were installed to start with but very few left in working condition, so dishes remain unwashed! Large common room area with 2 tvs (+video/dvd of course!) and pool table. Library area up stairs leading from common room.
There are some photos somewhere on the forum, I believe.

Not unlike a 'lifers' wing in 'Nick', then ?

Do you, perchance, have any connection with Coleridge B, Mrs C ?

J.R. wrote: Not unlike a 'lifers' wing in 'Nick', then ?

I would hope that the Grecians could pick up the soap without trepidation, though......

Sorry J. R. - no!

J.R. - my mum is deputy housemistress of Col. B