Agenda item

This condition project would bring a number of benefits to the school and the council, with the primary objective of providing improved educational environments for Children in line with Haringey’s Corporate Plan. Along with improving educational outcomes, this project would significantly reduce the risk of a health and safety incident or school closure through condition failure, such as window deterioration or roof leaks. The project would also help the school reduce its energy demands and relieve some budgetary pressure.

It was noted by the Cabinet Member that effort should be made to liaise with the head teacher of the school and the assistant director of schools so they are aware of any developments.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families RESOLVED

1.    To approve an Award to Contractor B to the value of £1,720,833.00.

2.    To approve a client contingency as set out in Part B of 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, as set out in Part B of this report.

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 longterm. South Harringay 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. This construction contract award is to achieve the following:

· Replacement of windows

· Repairs to stone and ceramic tile cills

· External masonry brickwork and repointing

· Underpinning to brick pier of school boundary wall

· Localised roof repairs and rainwater goods repairs to make full use of the

scaffolding

· Installation of pigeon deterrent system

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

There is no Cabinet Meeting scheduled in August. A Cabinet Member decision is required in August 2023 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.

Delaying a decision further would add additional time to the programme and cost to the council. Not being able to award a contract and place orders at the earliest opportunity would increase the risk of bidders not holding their price which could be impacted by inflation. The tender is based on bidders holding their price for up to 28.5 weeks, which this decision sits within.