Hampshire County Council

Education Buildings Advisory Group

29 September 2003

Executive Member - Education

16 October 2003

Swanmore College of Technology

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

Swanmore College of Technology is located on the southern edge of Swanmore village. The College serves a rural catchment area including the villages of Swanmore, Wickham, Waltham Chase and Bishops Waltham. The campus consists of a cluster of different buildings, the original brick-built school dates from the late 1950's. A series of brick and system-built extensions and stand-alone buildings have been constructed over the years, the latest addition being a recently-completed classroom block. There are currently 1,247 11-16 year old pupils on roll at the College.

1.2

It is proposed to provide a floodlit Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) which will enhance the College's existing sports facilities, whilst expanding the existing programme of community lettings outside College hours. Planning permission for this scheme was granted in July 2003.

1.3

The total cost of the scheme is £258,300, excluding fees. Winchester City Council (WCC) is seeking funding from a Football Foundation bid and partnership funding (local parish councils). WCC will consider their own financial contribution once all other funding avenues have been explored.

1.4

The funding position is unlikely to be confirmed until at least mid-December. WCC is keen that this should not delay the project and has requested that the scheme be tendered in advance of the confirmation of funding. WCC has agreed to underwrite any fees associated with preparing the scheme to the tender stage.

1.5

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

2.

Scope of the Works

2.1

It is proposed to construct the floodlit MUGA in advance of works to provide a Multi Use hall. The project appraisal for the Multi Use hall scheme will be presented at a future meeting, as construction is not due to commence until June 2004. The MUGA will be located on part of the existing play court area, to reduce the extent of playing field affected, and has been located to avoid impinging upon existing pitches or running tracks. Proximity to existing car parking and College facilities will aid access by both the College and the community. The MUGA has been orientated to avoid the existing emergency access route and water main. The remaining existing play court area will be reinstated to form external hard play areas.

2.2

The proposal is for a 61 x 35 metre sand filled artificial turf MUGA to be used for hockey, football and other games. The MUGA will be fenced off with 3.6m high galvanised weld mesh ball-stop fencing with a retractable dividing net to form two football pitches. The fencing incorporates a vehicle access and a pedestrian gate.

2.3

The MUGA is to be floodlit to an average 300 lux using four 12 metre high galvanised raise and lower columns. The height of these columns is considered to be appropriate for negating glare and reduces any spillage beyond the pitch to acceptable levels.

2.4

The scheme does not alter the existing vehicular or pedestrian entrances and will not increase numbers of pupils or staff and therefore no additional parking is proposed. The facility will increase community use, but this will be outside normal College hours. A new pedestrian route will link the MUGA to the existing changing accommodation. The emergency access road will be upgraded to allow community access direct from the existing car park.

2.5

Limited landscape works will be needed to cut back existing undergrowth and remove one tree. The existing boundary planting will provide an effective screen of vegetation. The remaining play court will be reinstated and remaining fencing removed to form an external hard play area.

3.

Funding and Timing

3.1

Winchester City Council is seeking funding of £258,300, excluding fees, including contributions from the Football Foundation and local parish councils.

3.2

Subject to funding being secured and the necessary approvals it is anticipated that tenders will be invited during December 2003, work will commence on site during March 2004 and be completed during May 2004.

Conclusion

That, subject to sufficient funding being received by Winchester City Council, approval be given to the construction of MUGA at Swanmore College of Technology.