Introduction
We are pleased to be able to confirm that we have now received the proposed landscape designs from the three (3) appointed landscape architects. In this Communication we will share with you: (a) the design proposals and supporting documents; (b) how you can view the various documents; (c) the timescale for the EGMs; (d) what you will be asked to vote on at the EGMs; and (e) an overview of the next steps.
Why are we doing this project?
Please take a look at the following pictures of the last summer on how the grounds deteriorated due to the lack of water. By ‘doing nothing’ we would not be complying with our legal obligation to maintain the Resort.
Please also remember we currently have no confirmed water supply and it is unlikely that this situation will change significantly in future years. However, we continue to use our best endeavours, in conjunction with other Resorts in the area, to secure at least some water for irrigation purposes.
Design Proposals
As previously advised, we are calling this Stage One of the Low-Irrigation Landscape Project and it will encompass two main areas: some of General Community (GC) land and part of EUCC land. The GC areas extend across all Phases; and are located primarily, but not exclusively, between the roads around the Resort and the adjacent buildings. Two areas of EUCC land are also included: the large grass area between Phases 2 and 6 going towards the sports area; and the large, sloped grass area at the entrance of the Resort alongside Calle Egeo and Adriatico (this area uses the most water on the Resort for irrigation).
The designs and supporting documents from the three (3) companies were opened by our Resort President, Richard Deeley, and the Phase 2 President, Nigel Smith, on 20th October 2022. The submissions were checked for compliance with the deliverable requirements of the Design Brief and all three (3) companies were found to have submitted all the required documentation. In summary, the following documents comprised the design submissions from each company:
- Detailed, fully dimensioned layout plans for all areas within the Project scope. These detailed plans will form the basis of the tenders to be invited for implementation of the chosen design.
- A series of twenty-three (23) coloured images across all Phases so as to facilitate presentation to Owners in an understandable format.
- In addition to the images noted above a limited number (9) 3D elevational images (in colour) depicting specific areas included within the Project scope.
- Four (4) laminated bound copies of the above-mentioned images.
- Hard/soft landscape and planting schedules for each area.
- An overall estimate of installation costs.
- An Environmental Statement setting out the expected environmental and ecological impacts of the proposed designs.
Note: These files are in .dwg format and have been created with the AutoCAD “Computer-Aided Design” software application. As these files are very large, and require specialist software to view them, it is not practical to share these with Owners.
Where can you find the Design Proposals from the three (3) companies?
Owners will be able to see the various documents comprising the design submissions in three (3) ways:
By accessing the three (3) WeTransfer links shown below. The individual submissions are identified by a colour only so as not to influence Owners by identifying the name of the specific design company. We have also included the Design Brief which was issued to each of the landscape design companies.
Design Brief issued to each company
- From no later than Sunday the 30th October 2022, the documents can also be found by visiting the official Hacienda Riquelme Website (www.haciendariquelmegolfresort.com). If you have not already registered you will need to do so in order to access the documents which can be found under Owner Login.
- From Tuesday 25th October 2022, one (1) laminated copy of the documents will also be left in the information office, and El Casón upper floor. So as to be respectful to fellow Owners we ask that these are not removed from El Casón as they will not be replaced if they are removed.
- It is important that owners recognise that the plans have taken a great deal of time and effort to prepare by the landscape architects and have been prepared without any interference by the Board or Project Team. Also, there is a very tight timeline to get the owners review and EGMs completed, which means that we are unable to respond to questions from owners. The design chosen by the owners will be implemented without any prejudice. As the owners have been given the opportunity to choose a design, we will also not be fielding questions about the outcome following the EGMs.
Dates for the Sub-Community EGMs
All Building Presidents will be contacted shortly to agree a date/time for their Sub-Community EGMs. The EGMs will be held between the 15th November and 15th December at the HRGR Admin offices and via Zoom call for those who are unable to attend in person. Proxy votes will be available in the usual manner. Those Buildings not being administered by the HRGR Admin team will be asked to arrange their respective EGMs and confirm to the HRGR Admin team the outcome of those EGMs.
What will you be asked to vote on at the EGMs?
There will be two items to be voted on at the EGMs as follows:
- Firstly, which of the three (3) design proposals do you wish to be implemented? Only one (1) design will be selected for implementation so as to ensure a consistent appearance around the Resort. Each design has been designated with a colour (yellow, blue, and green). The design with the most votes in favour (taking account of the coefficients if necessary) across all Sub-Communities will be that chosen for implementation in 2023.
- Secondly, agreement on how to pay for implementation of the chosen landscape design.
The Board has agreed that payment for the cost of the project will be by equal individual levy. This will ensure that the implementation costs do not interfere with the maintenance costs, nor with the annual quota. The options to be voted on will be: - Twelve monthly payments approximately in the amount of 40 € for each apartment starting in April 2023.
- Four quarterly payments approximately in the amount of 120 € for each apartment starting in May 2023.
Next Steps
Once we have been able to collate all the results from the EGMs we will confirm the chosen design proposal, the company providing the chosen design and the companies whose designs have not been chosen.
In parallel with the EGMs we will be commencing our search for suitably qualified landscape Contractors to undertake the implementation of the chosen design. It is our intention to be in a position to issue the invitations for competitive tenders for the work immediately after the Christmas/New Year holidays.
As we have stated earlier, we are considering the current proposals as Stage One of an ongoing programme of landscaping works over the next few years. We appreciate the concerns mentioned by some Owners that the Stage One works are limited, and will not be addressing, for example, the somewhat now barren areas of ground around many of the swimming pools. We are already considering how to address these areas and, in particular, how people are going to be able to safely and comfortably access the pool areas from their apartments and garden areas. It is anticipated that Stage 2 & Stage 3 of the landscaping project will be drafted for review by Owners during 2023.
We are sure that you will all agree that we need to ‘protect’ the value of our investment in Hacienda Riquelme by maintaining the appearance of the landscaped areas around the Resort. We understand that this has a cost attached to it and you can all be assured that the Board (who are all Owners too) will continue to ensure that we achieve ‘best value’ for the Stage 1 works and in all future landscape proposals.
Thank you,