Hampshire County Council Item 11

Buildings, Land and Contracts Panel

25 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 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 at an estimated cost of £1.97m excluding fees

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

Subject to approval of the Education Capital Programme update report being considered by the Leader at his decision day meeting on 25 July 2003 it is intended to add the project to the capital programme and provide funds of £1.948m (excluding fees), initially through the School Balances Loan Scheme in advance of capital receipts and developers contributions. 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.

Recommendation

That the Buildings, Land and Contracts Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that approval be given to:

1. The design project appraisal for Manor Fields Infant and Junior Schools, Basingstoke, at an estimated cost of £1.97m, excluding fees.

2. The contract being combined with Hatch Warren Infant and Junior Schools and completed under a partnership arrangement linked to the Major Projects Framework Agreement.