Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 8

11 April 2002

New Deal for Schools Condition Funding

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

Contact: Karen Murray Ext: 7876

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That approval be given to:

1. the priorities and programmes of work to be funded from the NDS
Condition fund as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2

2. the procurement strategies identified in Appendix 1 relating to the following areas of work:

· External redecorations
· SCOLA cladding
· Structural repairs to timber framed buildings
· Renewal of roofing systems
· Replacement of Ballard heaters
· Boiler/plant replacements and electrical safety programmes

2. Reason

2.1 To enable the implementation of programmes of work to address condition
related improvements at schools.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or a member for
officer consulted

4.1 Not applicable




5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6. Reason(s) for the matter being deal with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable

Approved by: ..................................... Date of decision: ...................

Councillor T K Thornber

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Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 9

11 April 2002

New Deal for Schools Condition Funding

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

Contact: Karen Murray Ext: 7876

1. Summary

1.1 The County Council has been awarded over £35m for the three financial years from 2001 to 2004 from the NDS Condition Fund for addressing condition related improvements at schools. The allocations are in response to the Council's schools Asset Management Plan (AMP), which identified priorities of over £250m over the same time span. The significant additional resources brought about by the NDS Condition Funding represent no more than 15% of that liability.

1.2 This report sets out the overall priorities in line with the Council's Strategy for the Built Estate and seeks approval to the detailed programmes of work.

2. Condition Priorities and Procurement

2.1 Given the extent of the programmes, it is proposed to engage the construction industry in procurement arrangements based on the development of rolling programmes over the next three years. These procurement arrangements will encompass the development of a range of contract strategies including competitive tender, negotiation with preferred contractors and the development of manufacturers supply chain arrangements and framework contracts. A separate report on procurement arrangements appears elsewhere on the agenda

2.2 The County Council, through its Strategy for the Built Estate, has already established priorities for tackling improvements to its building stock through planned and cyclical programmes of ongoing repairs and maintenance. Many of these programmes have to be tackled incrementally over a number of years. The NDS Condition Fund provides an opportunity to accelerate the pace at which these programmes can now be tackled. This report is recommending that the Council adheres to its already established priorities and use the NDS Condition Fund as an opportunity to speed up the rate at which the repairs and maintenance backlog is addressed. The following table proposes a broad split in the allocation of NDS Condition funds.

2.3 Appendix 1 provides further detail on each of the above priority areas of work and procurement strategies. The programmes, including the individual schools, are detailed in Appendix 2 for approval. The detailed programmes of work for 2003/4 will be presented to a future meeting for approval. It should be noted that the programme is based on budget estimates as opposed to costed specifications. It will therefore be necessary to adjust the programme throughout the year in line with tenders received and implementation timetables.

Recommendation

That:

1. The priorities and programmes of work to be funded from the NDS Condition fund and detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 be approved.

2. The procurement strategies identified in Appendix 1 relating to the following areas of work be approved:

· External redecorations

· SCOLA recladding

· Structural repairs to timber framed buildings

· Renewal of roofing systems

· Replacement of Ballard heaters

· Boiler/plant replacements and electrical safety programmes

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APPENDIX 1

NDS Condition Fund - Priorities

1. External Redecoration and Repairs

1.1 As well as creating a good visual impact for the County Council's built estate, external redecoration offers benefits in terms of protecting buildings from the elements and helping to keep them in a safe, well maintained state. Normal programmes of external redecoration have been slipping over recent years and many properties have now gone beyond a routine 5year redecoration cycle. When this happens, the rate of deterioration in the general fabric of the buildings start to increase, which in turn can lead to higher repair costs overall.

1.2 Appendix 2 gives details of an extensive external redecoration programme for 2002/03 which with the NDS Condition funding can be repeated next year to help to bring cycles back to the norm. Subject to approval, the proposed programme will bring benefit to 77 schools from external redecoration over the next six months.

2. SCOLA Recladding

2.1 Around 25 percent of the national stock of SCOLA buildings was constructed in Hampshire during the 1960's and 70's as part of a national schools building programme at that time. The early makes of SCOLA, in particular, require major elements to be replaced.

2.2 The former Buildings, Grounds and Contracts Panel established a new fund to commence a re-cladding strategy on SCOLA Buildings. The NDS Condition Fund will allow further work to be achieved and move this strategy forward. As well as dealing with the removal of asbestos, replacement of worn out windows and rotten timber components, re-cladding will have a positive impact over time on external redecoration programmes as more and more SCOLA buildings become reclad using pre-finished materials that require less frequent maintenance regimes.

2.3 Authority is sought to negotiate the final phase of SCOLA re-cladding at Harrow Way Community School with D M Habens and Wessex Windows. Both of these contractors have consistently worked well with the school on previous phases, building a good working relationship. This final phase of work is of very similar extent and type, giving a sound basis on which to negotiate competitive rates for the work. Experience has shown over the last 18 months that negotiated contracts for this type of work compare favourably with tendered contracts, delivering cost-effective solutions with the added advantage of guaranteeing the team of contractors used. The strength and depth of experience of these contractors working on this site has obvious advantages for the County Council.

2.4 Authority is also sought to negotiate a final phase of SCOLA 1 re-cladding to Hounsdown Community School, Totton. It is again proposed to use D M Habens and Wessex Windows, who have proven on a number of other sites and contracts to work very effectively together, minimising disruption to schools and delivering a cost-effective negotiated solution. This will be particular important on the Hounsdown site over the next 12 months due to a major basic need contract which will be on site at the same time. The school will need to release a number of spaces to enable both the re-cladding and internal alteration works required under the basic need bid. All parties are currently working to deliver the required improvements without the need for temporary accommodation. It is envisaged that a negotiated approach ensuring a contractual team who can best deliver a flexible response will minimise the disruption to the educational delivery at Hounsdown during this time.

2.5 Authority is also sought to negotiate a contract for the SCOLA 1 recladding and the construction of a music room extension at Orchard Infant School, Dibden Purlieu. It is proposed to use Brymor who successfully tendered for the recladding of the Junior School (currently on site). The Infant and Junior School share the same site and the building site facilities would remain the same. It was originally intended to tender for both the Junior and Infant school projects but the Music Room extension had not been finalised and it was not appropriate to delay the Junior School scheme. Brymor has performed well and the negotiated price is competitive.

3. Structural Repairs to Timber Frame Buildings

3.1 In a report dated 4 July 2000, to the former Education Committee, which considered the future of schools in North Farnborough, it was agreed to develop structural repairs solutions for two timber frame school buildings, the Grange Infant and Nursery School and Manor Infant School. The structural work needed involves roof strengthening, asbestos removal, re-cladding of the external elevations and new ceilings and lighting. The work is a repeat of that already provided at Padnell Infant School, Waterlooville. It is therefore proposed to negotiate with the contractor, Drew Smith, who have successfully undertaken the work at the Padnell School and to use the expertise of this firm to undertake the necessary work at either or both North Farnborough schools, subject to the final decision on procurement.

3.2 Approval is sought to negotiate a contract with Drew Smith to complete the final phase of recladding work to the school hall and ancillary areas at Padnell Infant School, Cowplain. Drew Smith have completed the recladding work on the timber frame buildings at the school to date. They have a good working knowledge of the site, have produced high quality work and have successfully tendered for other project work.

4. Renewal of Roofing Systems, Window Replacements and Other

Recladding

4.1 Each year many complaints are investigated concerning roof leaks. The AMP Condition survey for schools identified a total liability for roofs over the next 5 years as about £28m.

4.2 It is proposed to use the NDS Condition Fund to establish a rolling programme of flat roof renewals over the next two to three years and to work with preferred major suppliers and their licensed/approved contractors for roofing systems. Approval is sought to develop specialist framework contracts for the procurement of these roofing programmes. The aim will be to secure best value in the supply, cost and delivery of re-roofing specifications which provide for long term insurance backed guarantees for completed works.

5. Ballard Heater Replacements

5.1 The replacement of Ballard heaters has been a major initiative for a number of years now. There were some 3000 Ballard heaters in schools at the start of the this replacement programme. There are now just 91 Ballard heaters remaining in 18 schools. The Ballard heaters are rudimentary warm-air heating units, sited directly in classrooms. They breakdown frequently, are noisy in use and difficult to service when a school is in session. The proposed use of the Landlord's usual capital repairs programme this financial year and the NDS Condition Fund will see the replacement of the last of the Ballard heaters in schools. This is a programme that particularly benefits primary schools and generates much good press from parents, teachers and governors when these classroom heaters are replaced. The new replacement heating systems are more easily serviced, less prone to breakdown than the old Ballard heaters and should help with the management of the new term engineering contracts.

5.2 Much of the work involved in Ballard replacement is of a standard nature, often with little variation from one school to another. It is therefore recommended, on grounds of efficiency and best value, that contracts be negotiated with preferred contractors who have a proven track record and produce high-quality and reliable work in respect of Ballard replacement. The contractors involved have all previously submitted competitive tenders. There are 14 schools in the Ballard replacement scheme for this year and it is recommended that negotiations take place with preferred contractors for completion of the 11 schemes detailed below.

6. Boiler/Plant Replacements and Electrical Safety Programmes.

6.1 Some progress has already been made with starting to replace worn out boiler plant, mainly in secondary schools. Much of the boiler plant is original and past its normal design life and in some cases systems are becoming obsolete with difficulties being experience in obtaining replacement parts. The NDS Condition Fund will begin to address this issue with planned programmes of boiler/plant replacement for the future. Secondary schools will become the main but not exclusive focus for this element of the NDS Condition Fund.

6.2 The NDS Condition Fund will help to establish a new planned programme which will address worn out engineering components and begin to improve the electrical systems within schools. The replacement of electrical switchgear, fire alarms and lighting systems is seen as the three main areas of priority.

6.3 As much of this work will relate to the performance of the new term engineering contractors, authority is sought to establish these contractors as preferred contractors for the implementation of the these proposed engineering planned programmes. The term engineering contracts are structured and tendered on an `open book' arrangement with each contractor declaring basic net cost and agreed overhead/profit margins. It would be a logical next step to use this arrangement to procure capital works using the `open book' arrangement of the term engineering contracts. A planned major review of the term engineering contracts and how they are working for the County Council is proposed for April 2002, using the same independent firm of external consultants that helped with the review the original tender returns last October. It is proposed to ask the independent consultants to build into their review of the term engineering contracts the creation of a framework that allows for the proper execution of capital works within the scope of these newly established term contracts.

7. External/Site Drainage Works

7.1 Resurfacing of playgrounds and the resolution to local drainage problems associated with existing hard landscaping is a topic that many schools have made representations the Department for help over a number of years. There are significant advantages in finding ways of helping to address these type of issues, including improving safety in the school playground and improving the public image the County Council's schools through well maintained sites. It is proposed therefore to dedicate a proportion of the NDS Condition money at improving existing external hard landscape areas at schools.

APPENDIX 2

New Deal for School Condition

Proposed Programme Budget Estimate

SCOLA Recladding £'000

Harrow Way Community School - final phase 475

East Meon Primary School 200

Hiltingbury Infant School 200

Eggars Community School 700

Hounsdown School 500

Applemore (F) College 300

Mengham Infant School 300

Court Moor School 350

Balksbury Junior School 300

Chineham Park Primary School 300

Kings Furlong Junior School 300

Oakridge Junior School 300

Structural Repairs - timber framed schools

The Grange Infant and Nursery School, Farnborough 400

Manor Infant School, Farnborough 400

Roofing, windows and other recladding

Warblington Secondary School - asbestos removal 100

Horndean School - recladding 60

Limington House recladding floor phase 2 100

Science Labs 2002 60

Bridgemary School - roofing 40

Brookfield School - roofing 10

Cowplain School - roofing 55

Crestwood School - roofing 25

Front Lawn Infant School - roofing 100

Front Lawn Junior School - roofing 60

Hatch Warren Junior School - roofing 100

Icknield Special School - roofing 75

Mill Chase School - roofing 20

Mill Chase School - roofing 120

Mountbatten School - roofing 70

Petersgate Infant School - roofing 70

Poulner Junior School - roofing 30

Preston Candover Junior School - roofing 65

Romsey Junior School - roofing 120

Saxon Wood Special School - roofing 55

South View Junior School - roofing 50

Wallisdean Junior School - roofing 200

Portchester Community School - structural repairs 60

Brune Park School - windows 175

Court Moor School - windows 50

Neville Lovett School - windows 50

Noadswood School - windows 50

Oak Farm School - windows 30

Woodcot Primary School - windows 80

Ballard heater replacements

Brockhurst Infant School 225

St John's Primary, Rowlands Castle 252

Mill Rythe Infant School 235

Roman Way C Primary School 204

Greenfield Junior 204

Sarisbury Junior 262

North Baddesley Infant 50

Portchester Community 26

Amery Hill Community 220

Hardley Youth Centre 27

Totton Youth Centre 33

Hamble School Youth Wing 45

Cowplain Youth Club 45

Wildern Youth Wing 45

Boiler/mechanical system replacements

Cove School - replace boilers 100

Henry Cort School - replace boilers 75

Lee-on-Solent Junior School - heating system 60

Mill Chase School - replace HWS boiler 20

Portway Junior School - upgrade boiler 40

Priestlands School - replace heat generation plant 55

St Michael's Junior, Aldershot - replace boiler 90

Warblington School - replace boilers 40

Mountbatten School - replace calorifiers 75

Park Community School - replace calorifiers 20

Oak Farm School - replace heating pump 25

Remove water towers - various schools 75

West End Infant School - replace heating system 40

Clere Secondary School - renew HWS pipework 50

Fernhill School - replace water main 30

Wavell School - replace water main 20

Fire precautions and electrical safety programme

The Clere Secondary School - electrical works 25

Calthorpe Park Secondary School - replacement lighting 30

Crookhorn Secondary School - replacement lighting and T&I works 90

Cowplain Secondary School - replacement lighting switchgear

and T&I works 165

Warblington School - replacement lighting and ceilings, rewiring

and T&I works 250

Brune Park School - sports hall lighting 15

Talavera Junior School - replacement lighting 20

Romsey Junior School - replacement lighting 32

Kempshott Junior School - replacement lighting 30

Wildground Junior School - replace switchgear 23

Rowner Junior School - replace switchgear 50

Crescent Primary School - replace switchgear 25

Stoke Park Junior - replace switchgear 15

Arnewood Foundation - replace switchgear 20

Stanmore Primary School - replace switchgear 15

Wyvern College - replace switchgear 25

Priestlands School - T&I works 62

Yateley Secondary School - T&I works 100

Cove Secondary School - fire alarm 75

Calthorpe Park Secondary School - fire alarm 85

Park Community School - fire alarm 85

Cranbourne Secondary School - fire alarm 75

Hayling Island Secondary School - fire alarm 75

External works

Fort Hill Community School - paving 10

Brighton Hill Community School - paving 15

Harriet Costello School - resurfacing and drainage 28

The Richard Aldworth Community - resurfacing 15

The Hurst Community School - paving 15

Mill Chase School - drainage 30

Crestwood School - fencing 10

Swanmore School - drainage 35

Wyvern School - external works 20

Hounsdown School - paving 10

Thornden School - tennis courts 10

Cherbourg Primary School - resurfacing 8

Four Marks Primary School - resurfacing 8

Harrison Primary School - surfacing/drainage 14

Lee-on-Solent Infant School - surfacing/drainage 13

Meonstoke Infant School - surfacing/drainage 13

Foxhills Junior School - surfacing/drainage 50

Foxhills Infants School - surfacing/drainage 50

External redecoration

Package 1: Atkins Decorating

Bridgemary Secondary

Calmore Infant

Eastleigh Children's Home

Elson Junior

Stonecroft Children's Home £260,000

Package 2: Belgravia Renovations Ltd

Beaumont Junior

Belle Vue Infant

Cherry Wood Primary

Christmas Lodge

Court Moor Secondary School

Courtbourn

Cove Junior

Frogmore Infant

Hawley Primary

Hockcliffe House

Pinewood Infant

Potley Hill Primary

Samuel Codey Special

Ticehurst

West End Centre £440,000

Package 3: Benson Ltd

Binstead Primary

Bulmer House, Petersfield

Crondall Primary

Fleet Library

Frogmore College

Heatherside Infant

Mill Chase Secondary School

Petersfield Infant

Rowledge Primary

Thurlston £330,000

Package 4: Drew Smith Contracting Ltd

Alderman Quilley Secondary

Ashburton Court East

Chineham Library

Forest Edge Special School

Highfield House

Marnel Infant

Marnel Junior

Wildground Junior £360,000

Package 5: Ferris Painting Contractors Ltd

Bartley Junior

Fordingbridge Library

Forest Arts Centre

Lymington Junior

Minstead Rural Study Centre

New Milton Junior

Priestlands Secondary

Red House Museum

South Baddesley £230,000

Package 6: Mitie Property Services Ltd

Fairfield Infant

Horndean Secondary

Park Community

Purbrook Junior

Stakes Hill Infant

Staunton Park

Waterloo Special

Waterlooville Library £470,000

Package 7: Pool and Sons (Hartley Wintney) Ltd

Alton Family Centre

Burnham Copse Junior

Crossways

Curtis Museum

Maple Ridge Special

Overton Primary

Robert Mays

Rucstall Primary

Saxon Wood Special

Testbourne Foundation

Whitchurch Primary

Willis Museum

Wootey Junior £470,000

Package 8: Richardson Decorating Ltd

Greatham Primary

Herne Junior

Liphook Infant

Liphook Junior

Meonstoke Infant

Steep Primary

West Meon Primary £120,000

Package 9: Tew Brothers Ltd

All Saints Primary

Bishopstoke Day Services

Brentry House (Hilliers)

Cuperham Junior

Hounsdown Secondary

Kingsworthy Primary, Hinton Ho.

Nightingale Primary

Westgate School £415,000

Package 10: R G Warwick Ltd

Chandler's Ford Infant

Fareham Registrars Office

Hart Plain Junior

Horndean Library

Owlesbury Primary

Parkgate Primary

Wildern Secondary £123,000

Note: External redecoration and Ballard heater replacement programmes include contributions from the Policy and Resources capital and major repairs budgets. The redecoration packages therefore include some work at non-education buildings.

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