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ITEM EX10

EXECUTIVE – 18 FEBRUARY 2003

Matthew Arnold School, Cumnor

DETAILED PROJECT APPRAISAL APPRAISAL NO. ED583/1

NAME OF SCHEME: Matthew Arnold School – New Science Laboratories

START YEAR: 2003/04

BASIS OF ESTIMATE: Atkins cost estimate based on agreed sketch scheme

  1. INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
  2. In April 2002 the Executive approved an outline project appraisal for the provision of a new purpose built science block at Mathew Arnold School, Cumnor. Since the outline project appraisal was approved Mathew Arnold School has been successful in achieving awarded Specialist Science College Status.

    The new facility will include 7 laboratories, 2 preparation rooms, chemical store, staff work area, Head of year office and toilet facilities. The new accommodation will be fully accessible to people with special needs.

    The accommodation released by the provision of the new science facilities will also allow community education staff to be relocated from their existing prefabricated ‘temporary’ building into the main school accommodation. The prefabricated building will be removed from site on completion of the project. The remaining space will be converted into general teaching classrooms with the former prep room and one laboratory providing much needed social space within the school.

  3. JUSTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF NEED
  4. As part of the LEA Asset Management Plan process, suitability assessments were carried out in all schools. Each teaching space was given a rating on a range from A to D (A being the worst in terms of a room suitability). A prioritisation process has taken place in consultation with the Education Asset Management Consultation Group.

    The initial suitability survey identified Matthew Arnold School as having the highest number of B category suitability needs in relation to school pupil numbers. The science laboratories were subject to a further analysis which resulted in the ratings for these areas being revised from B to A. Providing replacement science laboratories will have the biggest impact in reducing suitability needs at the school and in reaching the LEA’s targets within its Asset Management Plan.

  5. OTHER OPTIONS

An option appraisal has been carried out looking at overcoming the school’s accommodation problems. The new build option will be significantly less disruptive to the school and provide better facilities in the long term. A minimal refurbishment of the existing science laboratories to provide new classrooms, social space and accommodation for Community Education is all seen as representing good value for money.

4. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS (see attached Resource appraisal) (download as xls file)

    1. Capital
    2. The outline project appraisal estimated the cost of the scheme as being £1,555,000 inclusive of Atkins professional fees. The revised estimated cost based on the agreed scheme is £1,628,427. The cost will be met from New Deal for Schools (NDS) Modernisation grant and from a contribution from Matthew Arnold School:

       
      £
      NDS Modernisation 1,555,000
      Matthew Arnold School 73,427
      Total 1,628,427

    3. Revenue

Day to day revenue costs will be met through the schools delegated budget.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

The design of the project has taken into account the nature of the site and surrounding buildings. Full planning permission has been obtained. The construction will be in accordance with OCC requirements.

ROY SMITH
Acting Chief Education Officer

CHRIS GRAY
Director for Business Support & County Treasurer

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Contact Officer: Kevin Griffin, Education Officer Tel: (01865) 428164

Date: January 2003

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