Hampshire County Council

Education Buildings Advisory Group

29 September 2003

Executive Member - Education

16 October 2003

Wicor Primary School

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

Wicor Primary School is located at Hatherley Crescent, Portchester, Fareham. The school occupies a large site in a predominantly residential area to the west of Portchester. There are currently 420 pupils (4-11 years) on roll. The main school building was constructed in 1961 with an extension to provide two key stage one classrooms being added in 1999.

1.2

The total cost of the scheme to replace two temporary buildings in poor condition and enable other improvements to the school at the same time is £820,000, excluding fees. An allocation of £537,000, excluding fees, has been made in the Education Committee's 2002/03 Capital Programme (NDS Modernisation), £37,000, excluding fees, of SEED Challenge funds, £127,000, excluding fees, from William Price's Trust. The school is contributing £119,000, excluding fees.

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.

2.

Scope of the Works

2.1

It is proposed to construct a new four classroom extension, new music and drama room, new library/resource area and link corridor, plus internal alterations. The scheme will also include the provision of a new dedicated Special Educational Needs room, a new entrance lobby and internal alterations to offices. The two new single storey classrooms will be located to the south of the existing school building, continuing the stepped pattern of classrooms of the main school. The music and drama room will be located adjacent to the previous extension by infilling a small courtyard. Internally, offices and staffroom are to be extended and the library and teaching kitchen areas will be relocated within the new extension.

2.2

Landscaping proposals include an enlarged hard play area, an access path from the main driveway to new classrooms and the existing southern playground and shrub planting to the new courtyard formed by the new link corridors.

3.

Funding and Timing

3.1

An allocation of £537,000, excluding fees, has been made in the Education Committee's 2003/04 Capital Programme, a contribution of £37,000, excluding fees, is available from a successful Seed Challenge bid, the William Price's Trust is contributing £127,000, excluding fees, and the school has allocated £119,000, excluding fees.

3.2

Subject to the necessary approvals it is anticipated that tenders will be invited during November 2003, work will commence on site during January 2004 and be completed during August 2004.

Conclusion

This scheme will provide additional permanent accommodation at Wicor Primary School, thus facilitating the removal of two temporary classrooms currently on site, and approval is accordingly sought to this design project appraisal.