Hampshire County Council

Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel Item

20 March 2007

Major Projects Update

· Ashburton Court

· Everest Community College

1.

Introduction

1.1

This report provides a regular update on the major projects currently being progressed. This report highlights key issues with the following schemes:

· Ashburton Court

· Everest Community College

1.2

The completion of these major projects will enhance the quality of place for users of the respective buildings (the new Everest Community College and Ashburton Court).

Recommendations:

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

1. The progress with the Ashburton Court project and the issuing of

an Advance Order to Nolan Davis for the decant enabling works at

Nuance Global House, Eastleigh and Capital House, Winchester

2. The progress with the Everest Community College project and the

arrangements for an official opening in the autumn 2007.

2.

Ashburton Court

2.1

At the last meeting of the Panel on 23 January 2007 progress and the key issues arising with the project development were summarised, in particular:

· the granting of planning permission by the County Council's Regulatory Committee and the confirmation of Building and Conservation Area approval

· the approval in principle by Winchester City Council to their contribution for repairs to the car park

· progress with scheme development and the management of the programme and key risks, and the advance works that were proceeding with regard to the removal of asbestos to the east block soffit

· a summary of the financial commitments to date, including the enabling works and preparations for the decant operations

2.2

Project Programme/Progress

2.2.1

The master programme and key phases of the work remain unchanged. The completion dates for the various sections, as well as the overall completion date have not changed. Some unforeseens in relation to the removal of asbestos to east block have arisen, which is requiring the contractor to adjust his programme to avoid critical delay.

2.2.2

The master programme will provide the framework for the detailed projects to enable the decanting arrangements, as well as the key decisions. The construction programme is now driving the timing of all decisions and activities. The organisation and management arrangements are being adjusted accordingly.

2.2.3

The key activities and milestones to manage at this point are:

· the management of cost and risk to achieve 70% certainty by the beginning of April 2007

· the design and procurement of the move management contracts and Nuance Global House, Eastleigh and Capital House, Winchester

· the management of unforeseens on the construction contract relating to asbestos

· finalising the Agreement and financial contribution from Winchester City Council

2.3

Design Development and Procurement

2.3.1

The sign-off of the scheme design drawings is targeted for the end of February when all of the final adjustments will have been incorporated and fully assessed.

2.3.2

The cost plan has been updated to reflect the outcome of the value engineering exercises, and the procurement cost risk has been identified which needs to be managed closely as package tenders are returned.

2.3.3

Regular cost and risk workshops will be held to provide the opportunity for early assessment and management.

2.4

Move Management/Decanting Arrangements

2.4.1

The design team is working closely with the Environment Department in terms of the space planning exercise, and detailed layouts are being discussed to finalise the decision of who goes where.

2.4.2

The decision in principle to work to an early decant from north wing has been agreed. Increasingly the scope for change and for adjustment to the scheme on key dates will diminish as the contractor's programme becomes the critical path.

2.4.3

As reported to the last meeting, the strategy for implementing the fit-out projects to Nuance Global and Capital House builds on the previous experience at both premises and utilises the same team and contractor. An Advance Order will require to be given to the contractor Nolan Davis by the end of March, and the detail of the contract award is included in the procurement initiatives report elsewhere on the agenda.

3

Everest Community College

3.1

The building work has progressed since the last report to members and the structure is now largely watertight. The roof is complete and windows have been installed. The current focus is on completing the internal fitting out including plaster, decorations, fixed fittings and the mechanical and electrical services installations. In parallel with this, the external works finishes has now commenced.

3.2

The main construction contract is running around 5 weeks late. This is due to a combination of inclement weather and sub-contractor performance issues leading to some slippage and necessary remedial works. The programme contingency allowance will absorb the delay which will not affect the school opening to students in September 2007.

3.3

The Director of PBRS is working closely with the school's management team to coordinate the complex interfaces between the building, furniture supply and fitting out of the school following completion of the envelope. The logistics of opening the school while the development of the adjacent housing for Merton Rise continues, are also the subject of detailed plans in conjunction with other contractors and agencies.

3.4

The project remains financially on target.

3.5

It is proposed to have an official opening in late October/early November and Members will be advised in due course of detailed arrangements.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

_

Maximising well-being

_

Enhancing our quality of place

_

This proposal does not link to the Corporate Strategy but, nevertheless, requires a decision because: N/A