Agenda item

[Report of the Director of Children's Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Early  Years, Children and Families]

The project is due to commence in summer 2021 and some of the work will be subject to Central Government funding (Salix). The works primarily involve improvements to the school's building services and building fabric to improve energy efficiency. Part of the works need to be completed by 30.09.21 to avoid disruption to the school and qualify for payment of the Salix grant.

The Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Families introduced the report which sought approval for the award of a contract to Mulalley & Co to carry out Building Services Improvement and External Envelope Phase 1 works at Bruce Grove Primary School.  This was the beginning of an extensive capital programme within Haringey schools and included roof repairs, windows and Health & Safety of all buildings.  The scheme would be part funded by an allocation from the public sector decarbonisation programme, a government initiative sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and administered by Salix.

Clerk’s note:  The Cabinet Member introduced agenda items 15-18 together.  The questions from other Members relate to all four items and are detailed in minutes item 530.

Further to considering exempt information at item 31,

RESOLVED

1.         To approve an award of contract to Mulalley & Co of £2,512,007.

2.         To approve a client construction contingency of 10% that equates to £251,200 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 £251,200.

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.

Bruce Grove 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.

The scheme has been granted an allocation of funding (£0.243M) from the public sector decarbonisation programme, a government initiative sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and administered by Salix (Salix works). The grant will be used to part fund the scheme thus reducing the amount of borrowing that the Council will need to undertake. The terms of the grant are that the relevant works need to be completed by the 30th September 2021. If this date is missed, then there is a risk that the grant allocation will need to be repaid.

A scheme for Bruce Grove Primary School has been developed, with sectional completion dates in order to achieve the following:

· Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation grant funding works (Window replacement,

LED Lighting, Loft Insulation, BMS).

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

· Decant classroom spaces completed prior to the start of the September term.

· Remaining Works (Roof replacement, brick repointing, small power and data,

sanitaryware etc)

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

A Cabinet decision is required in June 2021 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