Overview of process

This Appendix sets out how the estimated costings were arrived at for each Flagship Project presented in this Strategy. The process used a series of assumptions to build up project costs according to the likely “building blocks” required for each project to be delivered.

It should be noted that not all components of the GBI Action Plans can easily be costed. There are various factors which influence the ultimate costing of an initiative. In particular the consideration of land purchase where land acquisition is required in order to create new habitat or recreational space.

The project costs provided have been set out either using recognised industry rates and pricing resources (including the Spon’s Landscape and External Works Price Book, 2022 & Spon’s Architects and Builders Book 2022) together with rates and prices from tenders recently received where appropriate. No adjustment has been made for the geographical location factor. Case studies have been drawn upon to provide a provisional sum for more bespoke elements.

The costs are generally presented as a range, reflecting the varying requirements and specifications which may apply to individual sites and conditions. The cost estimates below are intended only as a guide – individual projects would need to be subject to more in-depth feasibility studies to inform any potential future funding bids.

Key cost components for the majority of the projects can broadly be split up as follows:

• Initial feasibility, planning, assessment, design costs
• and other professional fees.
• Land acquisition costs (where relevant).
• Capital costs.
• Establishment and maintenance costs.

The cost estimates provided in this Plan focus on capital costs and maintenance costs.

Key assumptions and considerations

The following considerations should be taken into account when interpreting the costs estimates:

• Costs are outline and high level in nature. Individual projects would need to be subject to detailed feasibility and cost estimates.
• Provisional sum costs are provided for larger capital projects – such as civil / highways works and bridges, which are generally based on case study examples of other projects. Such projects can be complex and site constraints (such as access) can significantly impact overall costs, which may vary considerably.
• Pricing basis: costs are exclusive of any assumptions of future inflation.
• It has been assumed for the purposes of pricing that each project would be procured by competitive tender on the basis of a consultant team’s full design.
• In the majority of instances detailed information is as yet unavailable. Costings are therefore based on either provisional sum allowances or appropriate rates per sqm.
• No allowance has been made for the fact that some of the works could be undertaken by local community volunteers.
• No allowance has been made for working in abnormal ground conditions or for treatment and disposal of contaminated material, if found.
• As project scope and related contract periods have not been assessed, allowances for main contractor’s preliminaries have been based on 15% of the construction cost total for each project. In practice, this percentage will vary by degree from project to project.