Hampshire County Council

Education Buildings Advisory Group

2 May 2003

Executive Member - Education

22 May 2003

Crestwood Community School, Eastleigh

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

Crestwood Community School was constructed in 1982 and is situated to the north of Eastleigh. There are currently 618 pupils attending the school aged between 11 and 16 years.

1.2

At the 2 November 2000 meeting of the Asset Management Sub-Committee, Members approved the disposal of 1.6 hectares (4.0) acres of surplus land forming part of the Crestwood Community School site. Approval was also given to the retention of the resultant capital receipt in the Education Committee's capital programme, under the `in and out' arrangement, to provide a sports hall and all-weather pitch.

1.3

In order to enable the School to provide uninterrupted recreational facilities it is hoped to provide the synthetic turf pitch, pitch modifications and enhancement works as enabling works in advance of the major sports development outlined above.

1.4

The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has progressed the design of the proposed new synthetic turf pitch, pitch modifications and enhancements and the purpose of this report is to outline the design proposals and seek approval to the works.

2.

Scope of the Works

2.1

The proposal is for a 103m x 63m sand filled artificial turf pitch used for hockey, football and other games. The pitch is situated on the existing school playing fields adjacent to the mature tree-lined northwest boundary. The pitch is needed to meet the School's statutory requirement for formal team games.

2.2

The pitch is to be fenced off with 3.6m high galvanised weld mesh ball-stop fencing with double leaf vehicle access and a pedestrian gate.

2.3

The synthetic turf pitch is to be floodlit using 8 no 15m high galvanised raise and lower columns, to meet necessary levels of light distribution and safety.

2.4

A synthetic grass cricket match wicket 30 x 3m is to be installed between existing natural grass pitches. A new long and triple jump facility is to replace the existing worn installation. A discus/hammer throwing circle and protective cage is to be provided to replace old, outdated equipment, modernising these facilities for higher skill use and ease of maintenance.

4.

Funding and Timing

4.1

Funding will be provided using part of the proceeds of the sale of surplus land on the School site. The remainder of the proceeds will contribute towards the construction of a new Sports Hall at Crestwood School.

4.2

Detailed timing of the capital receipt is yet to be resolved due to the length of time taken by Eastleigh Borough Council to determine the planning application for the disposal site. This report is to obtain approval for the design of the Artificial Turf Pitch and associated infrastructure works that will enable the land to be given to the future developers while still maintaining outdoor teaching facilities. Subject to planning permission being granted, the funding, timing and cash flow issues can be determined and this will be the subject of a separate report to the Executive Member for Policy and Resources. It is hoped that planning permission will be granted early in May which will enable these issues to be resolved in time to undertake the works this summer, since the surface of the pitch cannot be laid in the winter months.

4.3

Subject to the necessary approvals it is anticipated that tenders will be invited during June 2003 and work will commence on site during August 2003 and be completed during October 2003.

4.4

Proceeding with this project is dependent upon Eastleigh Borough Council resolving to grant planning consent for residential development of the proposed disposal site; a contract can then be let. It should be noted that Sport England is a statutory consultee and it is their objections which have contributed to the delay in obtaining planning approval. The County Council now has their approval.

Conclusion

The proposed scheme will enable continued use of sporting facilities at the Crestwood School by the provision of a synthetic turf pitch, pitch modifications and enhancements.