Agenda Item No.17
THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL
CABINET MEETING: 25th JULY 2007
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, ICT AND
PROPERTY
RHWS PRIMARY SCHOOL: NEW CLASSROOM BLOCK
Purpose of Report
1. To
seek delegated authority to accept the lowest compliant tender for
the
proposed classroom block .
Background
2. Cabinet on 7th February
2007 (Minute Nr C2901) resolved that this scheme was to be included
in the 2007/08 Capital Programme with £1,153,000 funding approved.
Cabinet also approved indicative amounts of £150,000 and £17,000
for 2008/09 and 2009/10 respectively.
3. The project entails the
construction of a two-storey classroom block with associated
external works. An advance contract is currently being undertaken
to relocate existing demountables and to provide temporary teaching
accommodation for the period of the construction works.
Relevant Issues and Options
4. Planning
Permission has been granted and Property Section is currently
undertaking the detailed design.
5. The current
programme has been drawn up to enable the works to commence
3rd December 2007 to achieve completion by
8th August 2008. The programme for the completion
of the project is critical due to the need to complete the
classroom block so that it is available for the new pupil intake at
start of term in September 2008.
6. As the cost
of the contract is above £300,000 it is a requirement of Standing
Orders (SO 9.2) for Cabinet to accept the tender. The current
programme allows a three-week period to satisfy this
requirement.
7. Delays in
obtaining Planning Approval, due to the sensitive nature and
constraints of this site and recent developments in terms of
available staff resources, that could not have been foreseen, have
had a detrimental effect on the design and procurement programme.
In order to keep to the demanding programme, it is necessary to
compress the three-week period built-in to the programme for the
acceptance of tenders. The most expedient option in this case is
for Cabinet to grant Chief Officers delegated authority to accept
the tender.
Resource Implications (Financial and
Employment)
8. The proposed
works are funded from the Capital Programme for 2007/08, 2008/09
and 2009/10.
9. The works are
being designed, procured and administered through to completion by
Property Section.
Legal Implications (to include Human Rights
Implications)
Equal Opportunities Implications (to include
Welsh Language Issues)
Corporate/Service Objectives
13. To provide high quality, accessible
learning opportunities which meet the
lifelong
learning for all.
14. The provision of the additional
accommodation supports the aim of school
improvement and the raising of standards in pupil achievement.
Policy Framework and Budget
15. The proposals are within the
Policy Framework and Budget and accordingly
this report is a matter for Executive decision by the Cabinet.
Consultation (Including Ward Member
Consultation)
16. The local Ward Members and
appropriate officers have been consulted. At
the
time of writing this report no comments have been received from
ward
members.
Appropriate Scrutiny Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS
(1)
Delegated authority be granted to the Director of Learning &
Development in consultation with the Director of Finance, ICT &
Property, the Deputy Leader and the appropriate cabinet member, to
accept a recommended compliant tender as an exception to Contract
Standing orders.
Reasons for recommendations
(1)
In order to ensure the commencement of works on site in accordance
with the current programme.
Background Papers
Cabinet Report 7th February 2007
(Minute Nr C2901).
Contact Officer – (Dave Johnson, Group
Quantity Surveyor, Property Section, Tel: (01446)
709741)
Officers
Consulted: Director of Learning and
Development
Operational Manager (Property)
Principal Accountant (Finance)
Sian Davies
Director of Finance, ICT and
Property