Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1) Executive Summary:

This report seeks approval to the design proposal for an extension and internal reconfiguration/refurbishment at Norman Gate School, Andover.

2) Contextual Information:

2.1. Although funding for the project has already been approved this report outlines the estimated costs and sources of funding.

2.2. Any significant issues from either the Risk or Combined Impact Assessment which will need to have specific attention in the design or implementation of this project.

2.3. The detail of the proposed design is laid out for approval.

MAIN REPORT

1) Scope of Work:

The proposal is to carry out extension, reconfiguration and refurbishment works to provide improved accommodation and circulation routes.

2) Contextual Information:

2.1. Norman Gate School caters for primary age pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) to Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) special educational needs. The agreed place number for the school is 58 and there are currently 60 pupils (aged 4-11 years) attending the school.

2.2. Norman Gate is located at Vigo Road in Andover and is located on a site which is shared with Vigo Primary, The Mark Way and the Winton Schools, located adjacent to playing fields. The surrounding area is largely residential, with some light industrial to the northeast.

2.3. The school buildings are of SCOLA construction and the layout is unsatisfactory - the main circulation route is via the hall, causing disruption to lessons taking place within the space. The school is also lacking in space for one-to-one teaching and learning.

2.4. It is anticipated that the scheme will be procured through a traditional tender process, that tenders will be invited during August 2009, that works will commence on site during January 2010 and be completed during October 2010.

2.5. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has progressed the design proposals for the scheme at Norman Gate School and the purpose of this report it to outline and seek approval to the proposals.

2.6. The proposed scheme will maximise wellbeing and enhance the quality of place by providing extended and refurbished accommodation.

3) Finance:

3.1. Capital Expenditure:

a) The Capital Expenditure has already been approved; the following tables outline the breakdown its distribution across the project:

* The means by which the difference between the Current Estimate and the Capital Programme allocation is to be met are shown in the table below:

3.2. Sources of Funding:

a) Building Cost:

Net Cost = £2,400 per m²

Gross Cost = £2,839 per m²

b) Furniture & Equipment:

From Block Allocation Vote.

3.3. Revenue Issues:

a) Overview of Revenue Implications:

Please Note: The overall level of the revenue budget for funding schools will (from April 2006) be prescribed by central government, and capital projects have no bearing on the level of this budget. Therefore, this proposed project will have no bearing on the overall level of the Children's Services budget, extra costs and savings being met from the same overall schools' funding level.

b) Energy Costs:

The estimated annual energy consumption for the new accommodation will meet that required by current Building Regulations. The additional cost per year is estimated to be £1,404 (£6.20 per m²) with an additional 155 tonnes of CO².

4) Risk & Impact Issues:

Please see Appendix A for a summary of the risk and impact issues considered in relation to the design of this project.

5) Details of site and existing Infrastructure:

5.1. Norman Gate School is located to the east of Andover, on a site shared with three other schools. The site slopes from south to north and is positioned in the flood valley of the river Test.

5.2. The layout of the school buildings is unsatisfactory and the expansion and rationalisation of existing spaces will provide improved staff and teaching spaces.

5.3. The existing services are considered to be adequate to serve the proposals within this report, although there will be some localised rationalisation to release the site of the extension.

6) Scope of the Project:

6.1. The proposed extension and refurbishment works will provide the following accommodation:

· LCT and ICT facilities

· food technology classroom

· two withdrawal spaces for one-to-one sessions between pupil and member of staff

· music therapy space

· relocated sensory room to accommodation new layout

· planning and preparation area for teachers

· relocated teaching resource room and caretaker's office

· meeting/parent/outreach room, plus adjacent storage

· medical inspection room and visiting professionals room

· storage

7) The Proposed Building:

7.1. The proposed extension will be of block wall construction with external render on insulation. The roof will be a low-pitch, high- performance roof that ties in with the existing roof level.

7.2. The building will have aluminium windows and roof lights to light internal areas. These will be coordinated with the mechanical ventilation necessary to extract air from internal rooms.

7.3. It is proposed to construct a small canopy over the entrance area with a low-level sign adjacent to the door that can be traced by pupils with limited sight, as well as being visible to others.

8) External Works:

8.1. The project offers the possibility of enlarging the entrance area within new paving and creating a level access to the building.

8.2. A new path will be created to the side of the extension to provide safe passage to the Children's Centre to the rear of the site.

9) Planning:

A detailed planning application is due to be submitted during June 2009.

10) Building Management:

Existing arrangements will apply to cleaning, catering, local management and maintenance arrangements.

11) Professional Resources:

Mechanical and Electrical )

Quantity Surveying ) Property, Business and Regulatory Services

Structural Engineering )

Architectural )

12) Consultations:

The following have been consulted during the development of this project and any relevant feedback can be seen in overview in Appendix B.

Local County Councillor; School/Governors; Children's Services;

Fire Officer; Access Officer; Planning Department

Recommendation

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves the design for the proposed extension and internal reconfiguration/refurbishment at Norman Gate School, Andover, at an estimated total cost of £726,000 (including fees of £96,000).

Links to the Corporate Strategy

Appendix A

RISK & COMBINED IMPACT ASSESSMENT:

Race and Equality Impact assessment

Race and equality impact assessment has been considered in the development of this report and no adverse impact has been identified.

Crime prevention issues

The County Council has a legal obligation under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to consider the impact of all the decisions it makes on the prevention of crime. The proposals in this report have no impact on the prevention of crime.

Fire risk assessment

In consultation with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, a fire risk assessment concludes that this is a low fire risk category building. Therefore a sprinkler system will not be installed.

Health and safety

A designer's risk assessment and a design health and safety plan, in accordance

with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007, have been undertaken for the proposed scheme.

Climate Change

The building will achieve Part L2 of the Building Regulations specifying a heightened set of requirements than in recent years. The new extension will improve the thermal performance of the existing building external wall. It is proposed to install daylight sensors on lighting controls to control energy use.

Appendix B

FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTEES:

OTHER EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:

OTHER FORMAL CONSULTEES: