Decision details

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report which sought approval for additional costs in respect of the delivery of the new secondary school in Radcliffe arising from a number of site-specific costs, largely relating to the existence of former coal mine workings in the area, which impact on the construction of the building.

In response to Members’ queries regarding potential delays, it was noted that DfE had given assurances that the project was on track and would be handed over in September 2024, but that every project had potential for delays and as such the Council and Star Academy continued to work with the DfE and hold them to account to ensure any delays were flagged early and mitigated appropriately.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the funding of indicative costs as set out in Part B of this report, to meet the Council’s financial obligations, to be met from the Children’s Services schools capital programme; and

2.    Delegated approval of the finalised costs to the Executive Director of Finance.

Reasons for the decision:

·         To unlock the delivery of a new secondary school for Radcliffe.

·         Utilise a Council owned Brownfield site for development.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

In order to deliver the new school in Radcliffe, the Council is required to confirm that it will commit to meet certain financial obligations. Failure to provide such a commitment will prevent the scheme from being progressed.

The alternative option to not proceed with the school was rejected owing to the demonstrative need for new secondary school provision in Radcliffe and the importance of that provision in supporting the economic growth and sustainability of Radcliffe and its alignment with the wider objectives of the Radcliffe Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF).