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ITEM EX14

EXECUTIVE – 11 NOVEMBER 2003

DETAILED PROJECT APPRAISAL APPRAISAL NO. ED 601

NAME OF SCHEME: Orchard Meadow Primary School

BASIS OF ESTIMATE: W.S. Atkins estimate based on agreed sketch scheme

Start Year: 2003/04

1. INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The building work detailed below is required to enable Orchard Meadow Primary School to function as a 420 place primary school from September 2004 in a stimulating and suitable environment.

This will be achieved by refurbishing and adapting the former Wesley Green Middle School buildings which are in a poor condition internally, and are in need of a major capital investment if they are to be used for the teaching of primary aged children.

The major building work will be extensive, taking place throughout the school buildings with the exception of the first floor of a two storey wing which will be surplus space. The refurbishment includes a total electrical rewire to affected areas, an improved heating system, new ceilings, floor finishes and redecoration. A new main entrance, reception area and administrative area will be provided as will proper circulation routes throughout the school.

(Resource Appraisal - download as .xls file)


2. JUSTIFICATION

Orchard Meadow First School has been in special measures for several years, and although improving, will be held back by its poor accommodation and by the poor condition of the Wesley Green accommodation which it has taken over from September 2003 as part of the City Reorganisation. In addition, Orchard Meadow First School and Wesley Green Middle School are schools where there has been a lack of capital investment over recent years.

3. OTHER OPTIONS

There are no other options which would provide the children and staff with a suitable and stimulating environment fit for the 21^st century which they will benefit from as part of a fresh start approach.

4. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

1. Capital

The estimated total cost of the scheme, inclusive of fees, is £1,440,000. These costs will be met from the funding anticipated to be available for the City Schools Reorganisation, which will include receipts secured through site disposals, government loan sanction provided as part of Oxfordshire’s Annual Capital Guideline (ACG) and grant provided through the Government’s Standards Fund. The current expectation is that there will be surplus receipts which will more than cover the cost of the works at Orchard Meadow but the final receipts are not yet known, nor is the final cost of the Reorganisation which may include the access road to serve SS Philip & James School and other works.

2. Revenue

The revenue costs (including day to day and structural repairs) will be met from the school’s delegated budget under the Council’s Fair Funding arrangements.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS