Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel

6 June 2006

Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit, Swanwick

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

How the conclusion in this report fits with the Corporate Strategy

This scheme will impact on the delivery of all Corporate Aims, focusing most immediately on:

Aim 1 - maximising life opportunities: by improving the quality and security of the accommodation for residents of the Unit, funded by the disposal of surplus land

Aim 5 - improving services: by providing improved facilities for residents/users of the secure unit.

1

Summary

1.1

Swanwick Lodge is a Secure Unit located at Glen Road, Swanwick, Fareham. The Unit caters for 16 children, usually aged between 12-16 years.

1.2

At the meeting on 9 June 2005, the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approved the disposal of 0.4 ha of surplus land, with 100% of the sale proceeds to be retained to finance demolition of the redundant residential blocks and necessary reinstatement on the Swanwick Lodge site.

1.3

It is now proposed to retain part of the Hamble Block to provide a joint-use area for staff training and the counselling of the families of young people housed at Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit, separate from the Secure Unit accommodation, and to provide additional ancillary spaces/offices required by the operational Unit and a more satisfactory and secure perimeter to the Secure Unit. The total estimated cost of the scheme is £766,000, excluding fees.

1.4

A bid is currently being considered by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) for additional funding of £458,260, excluding fees, which, if successful, will fund the complete refurbishment of all en-suite bathroom accommodation and replacement of bedroom doors to young people's sleeping accommodation, all works to comply with current Home Office Safer Cell Standards.

1.5

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

2

Scope of the Works

2.1

Prior to demolition, it is necessary to relocate the fire, security and heating controls from within the redundant units to the operational unit. On completion of this work, the redundant buildings will be demolished.

2.2

Part of the building known as the Hamble Block is to be retained and refurbished to form a new training/family counselling area, laundry suite, first-floor offices and sleeping-in accommodation for staff.

2.3

Landscaping works will include some additional car parking spaces for use by night staff, provision of security bollards, a wall/fence to be erected between the retained land and the disposal site, and soft landscaping to the area where the redundant buildings were located.

3

Funding and Timing

3.1

The following funding has been identified for this scheme:

£(ex fees)

Children's Services Capital Programme 06/07 (tbc) 766,000

(from sale of land - see report elsewhere on agenda)

DfES funding (tbc) towards additional refurbishment works 458,260

3.2

Subject to the necessary approvals it is anticipated that tenders will be invited during August 2006, work will commence on site during October 2006 and be completed during April 2007.

4

Consultation with Local Member

4.1

Councillor Sean Woodward, the local Member for this area, has been consulted on the proposals and has confirmed his support of the scheme.

Conclusion

This scheme will provide a joint-use area for staff training and the counselling of the families of young people housed at Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit, separate from the Secure Unit accommodation, additional ancillary spaces/offices required by the operational Unit and a more satisfactory and secure perimeter to the Secure Unit.

Recommendations

1. That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that the scheme at the Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit, at an estimated cost of £766,000 excluding fees, be approved.

2. That, subject to confirmation from the DfES, a sum of £458,260, excluding fees, be approved for additional refurbishment works at Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit.