Decision details

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report which provided an update on the remediation programme and set out a proposal to expand capacity at Millwood in order to meet increasing demands for local specialist provision. In response to Members’ questions it was noted that the initial contractors were being used as this reflected the best route to achieve speed of delivery without compromising on quality. In terms of timescales, it was noted that there was an aspiration completion date in 2024, but this would depend on the views and needs of the school and its current pupils.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the progress made to date in relation to the roof remediation scheme; and

2.    Approved the submission of a business case to the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) requesting that a direct award be made to ISG for the Millwood expansion project.

Reasons for the decision:

There are extenuating circumstances applicable in this situation that support proceeding with this method. These are outlined in the body of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

It would not be possible to have two main contractors on site simultaneously from a health and safety perspective, site management, and the efficient running of the school during construction works.

If this project was not awarded to ISG the new build accommodation works would not be commenced until 2025 and completed until 2026, this does not respond to the urgent need for the additional accommodation.