Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Education

2 April 2007

Amery Hill Secondary School, Alton

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

As part of a Schools Access Initiative, it is proposed to undertake improvement/enhancement works at Amery Hill School in readiness for the arrival of pupils with physical disabilities in the autumn term of 2007. The total estimated cost of the proposed scheme is £519,000, excluding fees.

1.2

Amery Hill Secondary School is located at Amery Hill, Alton. The school capacity is 1,000 and there are currently 990 pupils (11-16 years) in attendance. The school buildings are mainly of traditional construction, dating from the 1930s, with various additions being made over the years, the most recent being a classroom and drama extension, completed in 2004.

1.3

The proposed scheme will maximise wellbeing and enhance the quality of place for users by creating access for pupils with physical disabilities and by providing 100% access to the national curriculum.

1.4

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

2

Recommendation

That the Executive Member for Education advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that the refurbishment scheme at Amery Hill Secondary School, at an estimated cost of £519,000, excluding fees, is approved.

3

Scope of the Works

3.1

It is proposed to undertake specific enhancement works, to include:

· evacuation lift

· stair platform lift

· held-open circulation doors

· selected automatic doors

· hygiene and therapy suite

· replacement sports changing suite

· funding for evacuation chairs

· remodelling of an external ramp

3.2

It is proposed to carry out the works in two phases, commencing with the installation and commissioning of the evacuation lift, a platform lift and provision of the new hygiene and therapy suite. The second phase will encompass all other works and include a new ramp, replacement sports changing rooms (lost to the hygiene and therapy suite) and modification of all internal circulation doors to include hold-open devices. The disruptive nature of work to existing doors within the school's main circulation spaces means that these works are best facilitated during the school's summer holiday period.

3.3

The evacuation lift will be located centrally within the main building's footprint to have the greatest effect within the school. The new hygiene and therapy suite is located within existing spaces at the southwest corner of the main building where a dedicated entrance can be provided via an existing ramped access. This project will provide all necessary fixtures within the suite, excluding the therapy table.

4

Funding and Timing

4.1

The funding (exclusive of fees) for the scheme is as follows:

£'000

Children's Services Capital Programme (SAI) 06/07 176

(to be carried forward to 07/08 - tbc)

Children's Services Capital Programme (SAI) 07/08 343

519

4.2

Subject to the necessary approvals, it is anticipated that the scheme will be procured through a preferred contractor. A pre-qualification competition is being organised for late February/early March in order to select the most appropriate contractor who will offer the best proposals for site organisation, the anticipated construction programme and value for money. Work will commence on site during July 2007 and be completed in three stages between September 2007 and November 2007.

5

Consultation with Local Member

5.1

Councillor Anthony Ludlow, the local Member for this area, has been consulted on the proposals within this report and he has confirmed his support for the scheme.

Conclusion

The proposed scheme will improve accessibility throughout Amery Hill Secondary School, resulting in 100% access to the national curriculum for pupils with physical difficulties.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

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Maximising well-being

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Enhancing our quality of place

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