Decision details

Reason(s) for decision:

The original build was planned to be phased with the intention being that Phase 1 would provide a 2FE infrastructure core build with 1FE of accommodation for 2018, with the second FE being produced for 2021.  However due to delays through the planning process the first FE will now open in September 2019.

Due to pressures on the CYPE capital budget at the time of agreeing this scheme it was agreed the that scheme would be phased to aid cash flow, whilst recognising that this could ultimately increase the overall cost of the scheme. However, to ensure costs do not escalate further by continuing to delay the production of the second FE, the advice from Gen2 is that it would be more beneficial to the school in terms of reducing disruption to its operation and financially advantageous to build Phase 2 while the construction plant and builders are on site, rather than producing a new build some time further in the future.

There have been significant planning issues:

·      Two ransom strips have been identified, one belonging to Colyer Ferguson Trust and one to Gravesham Borough Council.  Both took some time to be resolved.

·      There have been challenging highways issues with a new access being created off a local residential road.

·      The land has required some grading as the whole site slopes upward to the south.

Decision:

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education is asked to agree to:

1. Allocate £2,500,000 from the Children, Young People & Education Capital Budget to fund any necessary works or variations to accommodation for Phase 2 of the age range expansion project at St George’s Church of England School.

b.    Authorise the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the General Counsel to enter into any necessary contracts/ agreements on behalf of the County Council.

c.    Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.