Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 3

14 February 2002

Thornden Secondary School, Chandlers Ford

Report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1.

Summary

1.1

At the December 2000 meeting of the Education Buildings Sub-Committee Members approved a design project appraisal for the construction of a new school / music hall at this school. This scheme, currently on site, is due for completion during August 2002 and forms the first part of a phase of works to provide specialist music accommodation and additional teaching classrooms.

1.2

The forecast number of pupils attending this school is due to rise in future years and due to the need for additional pupil places an allocation of £713,000, excluding fees, has been included in the Education Committee's 2002/03 Capital Programme. This allocation will provide an additional 104 Basic Need places which will form the final part of this overall development. At present the current number on roll is 1,311 with a capacity of 1,238 and upon completion of these works the capacity will increase to 1,342 places.

1.3

The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has progressed the design of the additional Basic Need accommodation along side the new hall in order that the most appropriate form of development is achieved for the funding available.

1.4

The purpose of this report is to outline the proposals and seek approval to the attached design project appraisal.

2.

Scope of the Works

2.1

It is proposed to construct single storey extensions to the north-east and south-east elevations of the school / music hall which is currently under construction. The accommodation will provide two music rooms, two drama rooms, two offices and a music library.

2.2

As part of the first phase of works the space for male, female and an Accessible WC is being created and it is proposed that these facilities be fitted out as part of this phase of works. The bar / reception area will also be furnished and alterations made to the existing gymnasium to make way for the new accommodation.

2.3

The existing access road which currently serves the All Weather Pitch and which will serve the school / music hall will be re-aligned to make way for the new accommodation. An external paved foyer with connecting pathways will be created adjacent to the new music rooms and will form part of the entrance to the new building. Trees and planting will be established around the new drama accommodation and along part of the access road to enhance the approach to the new building. Two disabled car parking bays will be provided adjacent to the access road.

3.

Funding and Timing

3.1

An allocation of £713,000, excluding fees, has been included in the Education Committee's 2002/03 Capital Programme for the proposals outlined in this design project appraisal.

3.2

The current phase of works at this school is being undertaken by Brazier Construction and it is proposed that this next phase of work to complete the Basic Need accommodation be negotiated with the same contractor. This contractor is performing well on site, has a good working relationship with the school and has a good working knowledge of the site. This approach will eliminate the need for new site access arrangements and the formation of a new contractors compound all of which will contribute to best value being obtained. This course of action will require the approval of the Executive Member for Policy and Resources.

3.3

Subject to the necessary approvals it is anticipated that the scheme will be negotiated during February to April 2002 and work will commence during early Summer 2002 and be completed during November 2002.

Conclusion

These proposals will provide the required amount of additional Basic Need teaching spaces to accommodate the anticipated rise in pupil numbers at this school. The negotiation of this phase of works, with the contractor currently working on site, will provide best value and approval is accordingly sought to the attached building design project appraisal.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report and attached appraisal.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE FILE

Building Management System reports, Property, Management &

Site surveys and investigations, Information File - PB&R

Architect's plans.

EMP&R0202h