On behalf of Christian Youth Enterprises Sailing Centre

Location – Chidham, West Sussex 

Project Type – Two-storey boathouse and accommodation building 

Services – Construction Project Management & Contract Administration 

Client – Christin Youth Enterprises (CYE)

Timeline – 12 months 

Project Value – £2m+ 

Project Size – 450 sqm new facility 

Award – Sussex Heritage Trust Public & Community Award Winner 2025

Project Overview

Christian Youth Enterprises (CYE) is a long-established sailing and outdoor activity centre located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) near Chichester, West Sussex.

With increasing demand for group activities and limited existing facilities, the charity sought to expand and modernise its site.

Planning approval was granted for a new 450sqm two-storey boathouse and accommodation facility, providing training spaces, changing rooms, showers, toilets and improved boat maintenance areas, designed to better serve the growing number of visitors and youth groups.

To support the delivery of this complex project, CYE appointed Minniedale Projects as Construction Project Manager and Contract Administrator, providing independent oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

Minniedale Projects’ Role

Minniedale Projects were engaged following planning approval to provide independent construction project management and contract administration services in Sussex.

Our role was to ensure the trustees and stakeholders had complete transparency, robust cost control, and professional oversight throughout both the pre-construction and construction stages.

Our involvement included:

• Stakeholder engagement and ongoing liaison with trustees and the centre management team.
• Assembling and managing the professional design team, including architect, structural and M&E engineers, renewable consultant, CDM principal designer, fire consultant, building control, civil engineer and quantity surveyor.
• Coordinating design deliverables and maintaining programme progress through a detailed pre-construction schedule.
• Reviewing consultant fee proposals and ensuring alignment with project scope and budget.
• Preparing a detailed Schedule of Works to define scope and ensure accurate contractor pricing through a competitive tender process.
• JCT contract negotiation and signing with the nominated builder.
• Acting as Construction Project Manager and Contract Administrator from contractor appointment through to project completion.

Independent Tender & Contract Administration

As an independent construction project manager, Minniedale Projects provided objective, cost-focused advice throughout the procurement process.

We managed a competitive tender between three pre-qualified contractors, handling all queries, clarifications and submissions to ensure transparency and value for money for the charity and its benefactors.

Following tender analysis and due diligence, we advised on contractor selection and prepared the JCT Standard Building Contract. Key contractual protections were incorporated, including:

• Liquidated and Ascertained Damages (LADs) to safeguard against delays and support timely completion.
• Retention provisions to provide financial assurance for defect rectification.
• Clear contractual documentation covering insurances, responsibilities and progress milestones.

During construction, Minniedale Projects continued to act as Contract Administrator, undertaking regular site inspections, managing progress meetings, reviewing contractor valuations and coordinating snagging and practical completion.

Project Challenges

Delivering a new facility within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) required careful management and close coordination throughout the project.

Planning constraints meant there was very little margin for error, requiring the design and construction programme to be managed carefully to ensure compliance at every stage.

The project also involved multiple stakeholders, including trustees, consultants, contractors and centre management. Regular communication and reporting were essential, particularly when product finishes evolved during construction and required coordination across the design team.

The coastal location also presented significant weather-related challenges. Periods of heavy rain and high winds forced the postponement of the timber frame installation, requiring the construction programme to be reviewed and adjusted.

Through proactive construction project management, these challenges were addressed through clear communication, programme adjustments and careful decision-making to ensure the long-term success of the facility.

Outcome

The project was completed on time and met all quality, budget and programme targets.

Thwaites House has significantly improved CYE’s ability to host larger groups and deliver its educational and sailing programmes with greater efficiency and comfort.

The project attracted local media attention, with the Chichester Observer noting:

“The centre now boasts vastly improved staff accommodation, better storage and maintenance of both equipment and boats, and impressive provision for guests with disabilities – not to mention the best possible renewable energy via ground source heat pumps, solar panels and more.”

CYE Director Mark Sheldrake commented:

“The result is impeccable – it’s absolutely incredible, from the quality of the finish to the use of the space. The design is everything we hoped it to be: it has had a wonderful response from our guests and the people who live here are loving it.”

The building’s thoughtful design and careful execution have since been recognised with the Sussex Heritage Trust Public & Community Award 2025, celebrating its contribution to the community and its sensitive integration within the surrounding landscape.

Judges commented:

“Thwaites House is an exemplar in what can be achieved with a clear brief and single-minded attitude from the whole team. The building perfectly meets its performance objectives, particularly embracing the needs of its disparate uses.”

Client Testimonial

”Really impressive experience with Minniedale. Chris is knowledgeable, calm, well-prepared and able to meet all the various needs of the project. We threw some curveballs too and these were handled superbly. Highly recommended. The project was a £2m+ replacement facility for a sailing centre within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Minniedale came on to the project during the design stage bringing stability and expertise to the team. They oversaw the schedule of works, brought the design to tender and managed this process, and then administered the contract until completion.”

– Mark Sheldrake, CYE Director

A Trusted Partner for Construction Project Management

For the CYE trustees, Minniedale Projects’ independent role as Construction Project Manager and Contract Administrator ensured clarity, fairness and professional oversight at every stage of the project.

From early cost planning through to contract completion, our structured approach ensured decisions were made in the client’s best interests while delivering a high-quality facility that will serve the community for many years to come.

Learn more about our construction project management services.