Every brick, every plan and every milestone at Gympanzees future centre is being shaped by a wonderful team of people who give their time, skills and heart to make this dream real. Our Property Committee is a small group of experts in surveying, engineering and facilities management. They are united by one goal: creating a world-class, inclusive space where all disabled people can exercise, play and be a part of community every single day. We wanted to give them a big shout-out for everything they do. A heartfelt thank you to…
Chris Haslam
Chair of the Property Committee
Chris has more than 50 years of experience in property, from planning and development right through to completion and management. A retired Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Environmentalist, he has also run businesses and supported major fundraising campaigns. With his calm guidance and wise advice, Chris keeps the committee focused on the big picture and moving forward.
Tanya Voisey
Senior Associate at Q-Works
Tanya has been part of Gympanzees for over six years. She has huge experience in refurbishment projects and facilities management, and her passion for inclusion shines through everything she does.
“I believe exercise is essential for both our bodies and minds, and that everyone should have the chance to play and stay active. Through Gympanzees I’ve been able to help
children access these opportunities and experience the joy and benefits of movement. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that makes such a positive difference.”
Tanya says the most exciting part is still to come.
“We’re nearly there! Project Home is happening! It’s amazing to see everyone’s hard work paying off and to know we’ll soon be opening the doors to bring joy to so many families.”
Her highlights are often the small moments that mean everything to parents.
“There are so many highlights, but I especially love reading the impact statements and seeing the difference Gympanzees makes. The girl who smiled, the two boys who laughed for the first time, a 28-year-old enjoying a trampoline for the first time. These moments stay with you.”
Alex Hunt
Director of Q-Works
Alex is a Building Services Engineer and Quantity Surveyor with more than 20 years of experience. He directs two specialist companies, Q-Works and Q-Tex, and also lectures at Salford University. For Alex, supporting Gympanzees was never a question.
“For me it was more a case of why wouldn’t you get involved?
The charity makes a real difference, and Gympanzees reasons for existing resonated strongly with me. It’s a privilege to be able to help.
Alex says one of his biggest highlights was when we purchased the site at Aust.
“At that moment the project shifted from being an idea with intent to something that must happen. The determination of everyone involved is genuinely inspiring, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
He cannot wait to see families through the doors.
“Seeing the design progress on paper has been exciting, but nothing will beat Day One of opening and witnessing the positive impact on children and families.”
Alan Northen
Managing Director of Northen Surveying, Northen Quantum and Quantum Expert
Alan has more than 30 years of experience across leisure centres, listed buildings and complex projects. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), he runs three companies and is also a consultant and author for RICS.
Alan is widely respected in the industry
and has supported Gympanzees for over seven years, bringing his expertise in costing, scheduling and planning to make sure Project Home is built on solid ground.
“Helping to secure the funding for the purchase of Aust was the most significant point and a privilege to be part of, to enable Gympanzees to grow from a dream to reality.”
He’s also loved being part of Gympanzees Pop Ups.
“Visiting and building the Pop Ups through the years, it has been fantastic to see the Gympanzees team and the community it supports grow with each year. The happy faces and stories the Gympanzees community share with us through this journey are life changing.”
Moving forward, Alan is clear on what excites him most.
“Transforming the lives of disabled people in the community and the chance to make everyone feel healthy and happy at Gympanzees new Home, is what I am most looking forward to.”
Looking Ahead
From walking fields and inspecting warehouses to poring over drawings and solving unexpected hurdles, our Property Committee has been there at every step. They have advised on safety, design, finance and practical solutions to challenges both big and small.
Most importantly, they have done it all so that thousands of disabled people can soon have a place where they belong. A place filled with exercise, play and friendship.
We are so grateful to Chris, Tanya, Alex and Alan for their dedication and passion in bringing Project Home to life.
