Here's a summary of the Northumberland Council Cabinet meeting held on 30 September 2025. The main item discussed was the Outline Business Case for the new school building for Berwick Academy, with the Cabinet approving the recommendations to progress with the project, including an increase in capital funding.

Berwick Academy New School Building - Outline Business Case

The Cabinet approved the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the construction of new school buildings for Berwick Academy, with the project planned to be completed by Summer 2028. This decision was made following a report from the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. The approval is subject to call-in¹.

Key Points:

• Funding: The Cabinet noted a revised allocation of £64.066 million in capital funding for the scheme, an increase of £5.272 million, which is subject to Full Council approval. Of this, £50.91 million is specifically for the Berwick Academy buildings.
• Procurement: A Design and Build Procurement strategy will be used, utilising a two-stage tender with a preferred framework of tier-one construction contractors experienced in delivering education projects. Procurement is set to commence in October 2025.
• Timetable: Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026, with the new school being operational by September 2028. This is subject to council approval of any additional funding.
• Final Business Case: The Final Business Case (FBC) is to be approved by Cabinet before awarding the contract to the preferred contractor in Spring Term 2026.

The Outline Business Case document provides further details, including a master programme, a schedule of accommodation, and existing site plans.

Other Items

• The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 3 September 2025 were confirmed as a true record.
• There were no disclosures of members' interests.
• No urgent business was considered.