Purpose

Cabinet agreed in November 2023 to support
capital and revenue projects which will increase the effectiveness
of provision within the borough. This included accepting the
allocation of £7,076,009.23 of High Needs Capital Grant
subject to the terms and conditions of the grant. It was further
agreed to delegate decisions around how to allocate the balance of
capital funding within the terms and conditions of the grant,
alongside other associated revenue decisions to the
Director Children, Young People and Families and the Director of
Corporate Resources in consultation with the portfolio holder for
children, young people and schools.
Hillside Primary Refurbishment
The Secretary of State gave permission for Astrea Academy Trust to
close Hillside Primary Academy in Conisbrough with effect from 31
August 2021. The 125 year lease ceased and the land and buildings
were returned to Doncaster Council.
It has previously been agreed to allocate £507,212 from High
Needs Block Capital to facilitate the refurbishment of Hillside
Primary. Works were planned to be delivered in 2 phases, with Phase
1 completed in January 2024 and Phase 2 by 31 July 2024.
A report of the reasons that the additional sum of £225,000
is required is given below:-
As the works have proceeded the general condition is worse than
originally thought for example leaks from the heating system
causing additional damage and meeting current Fire Safety
Standards. Previous management have carried out superficial works,
potentially without full recognition of changes in Building Control
legislation.
Since the works were originally estimated assessed, new Building
Control regulations around refurbishments are now in place and have
had a significant impact of the requirements placed
on the refurbishment. After discussion with the M&E Design
Team, Building Control and the Fire Officer, a number of concerns
were raised, and additional works required. These must be
completed to ensure that the building is suitable for lease as an
educational establishment which the Council, as Landlord for the
building, must address before completing a lease.

Content

To request that an additional capital
investment be made of to complete the refurbishment of
£225,000 Hillside Academy to enable Capital works to be
completed by 31 July 2024, to be funded
from High Needs Block Capital.