Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member considered the exempt information.

The Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children, and Families considered the report which requested approval to award a contract to Kind Diamond Build Consortium Ltd up to the value of £2,239,272 to undertake external envelope and building services improvement works at Highgate Primary School pursuant to contract standing order 16.02. The report also requested, pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 16.02, approval to issue a letter of intent.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the importance of contract monitoring to prevent any issues from arising. Officers confirmed that the contract would be monitored and that there was confidence in the contractors to deliver the works.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED

1.    Pursuant to Contract Standing Order 16.02, to approve an award of contract to Kind Diamond Build Consortium Ltd to the value of £2,239,272.

2.    To approve a client construction contingency as detailed in the exempt appendix to this report which will be strictly managed under change control governance arrangements.

3.    To approve the issuance of a letter of intent for up to 10% of the contract value, totalling £223,927.20.

Reasons for decision

A major review of the condition and suitability of the Children’s Services estate has been undertaken which has informed the Children’s Service’s asset management plan (CSAMP). This identified condition and suitability deficiencies in the primary, secondary, and wider Children’s Service estate need addressing in the short, medium, and long term.

Highgate Primary School is high priority for major works due to issues relating to health and safety or the school is at risk of school closure.

In 2019, a commission was given to further investigate and address urgent works relating to the condition of building services (i.e. heating, electrics and plumbing), external envelope (i.e. roofs, windows) and boundary security.

A scheme for Highgate Primary School has been developed to achieve the following:

·         Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation grant funding works (Loft Insulation).

·         Boiler and heating works completion prior to the heating season starting in October.

·         Roof replacement, brick repointing, below and above ground drainage.

·         Small package of electrical works.

This construction award report requests a decision on the procurement of a contractor to undertake all the external envelope and building services infrastructure works identified, designed and approved by the project sponsor.

A Cabinet Member decision is required in February 2022 to enable timely mobilisation and facilitate procurement of longer lead in materials as soon as possible, which will offer greater likelihood of achieving maximum grant funding available.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – a decision not to support this award of construction contract will result in the Councils failure to suitably maintain its education estate by undertaking essential condition improvements. This would increase the likelihood of reactive works which will create greater disruption and cost to the council and potentially result in the loss of education days. All of which would undoubtedly impact on the quality of teaching and learning.