Hampshire County Council

Education Buildings Advisory Group Draft

30 June 2003

Executive Member for Education

17 July 2003

Manor Fields Infant and Junior Schools, Basingstoke

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

Manor Field Infant and Junior Schools are located in a residential area of Basingstoke, on a shared site off Haydn Road. The original school buildings are a mix of traditional load bearing brick/SCOLA construction.

1.2

A recent review of primary education provision undertaken in the southwest area of Basingstoke identified a significant excess capacity in the area served by Beechdown Primary School, following its destruction by fire. It has therefore been proposed that children from Beechdown be relocated to other schools within the area, including Manor Fields.

1.3

The estimated cost of the scheme is £1.97m excluding fees. An allocation of £1.948m has been made in the Education Committee's Capital Programme 2003/04.

1.4

The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has progressed the design of the proposed additional accommodation and the purpose of this report is to outline the design proposals and seek approval to the attached design project appraisal.

2.

Scope of the Works

Infant School:

A new hall will be constructed to replace the existing undersized facility, together with three new classrooms and a resource area.

An internal reconfiguration of space will provide extended accommodation for the `Starlings' playgroup and 24 additional pre-school places, to accommodate a total of 40 children. The playgroup is currently located within the old kitchen area of the infant school and this space, together with the existing undersized school hall, will be utilised to provide appropriate accommodation for the increased numbers. The addition of a small extension to form a new entrance to the playgroup plus an additional area of secure play space directly adjoining the proposed accommodation will complete the requirements for the extended playgroup.

Junior School:

It is proposed to extend the Junior School to provide two new classrooms, a resource area, music/drama room and special needs accommodation. An enhanced library and dedicated IT suite will also be provided by remodelling the existing building.

3.

Funding and Timing

3.1

Funding of £1.948m (excluding fees) has been allocated in the Education Committee's 2003/04 Capital Programme. The current estimate for the building works is £1.97m and the shortfall will be addressed following receipt of tenders by identifying appropriate savings on the scheme.

3.2

Subject to the necessary approvals it is anticipated that tenders will be agreed during August 2003 and work will commence on site during October 2003 and be completed during August 2004.

4.0

Procurement

4.1

Subject to the necessary approvals, an early appointment of a preferred contractor would resolve issues regarding programming and would allow the works to commence on site in October 2003 and be completed during August 2004.

4.2

As outlined in the Buildings, Land and Contracts Panel meeting of 26 March 2003 and the Executive Member, Policy and Resources of 10 April 2003, it is proposed to package the works under a partnership arrangement that will be linked to the Major Projects Framework Agreement.

4.3

It is therefore proposed to combine this scheme with Hatch Warren Infant and Junior Schools as a package of work through a Framework Contractor.

Conclusion

This scheme will provide the necessary additional classroom and nursery facilities to accommodate the anticipated rise in roll numbers associated with the review of primary education provision that has been undertaken in the southwest area of Basingstoke.