Decision details

Re-development and expansion of Benton Park School.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report that provided an update on the first phase of the Benton Park School redevelopment tender process, and which sought approval to set the holistic project budget at £28.5m and to provide ‘authority to spend’ on this figure, subject to submission of future design and cost reports. The report also sought delegation of future approvals to the Director of Childrens and Families, in conjunction with the School Places Programme Board and in consultation with the Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment extended his thanks to those involved in the continued running of essential services in the field of learning and education during this difficult time, including the online provision of learning materials and the continued opening of a number of schools for the children of key workers.

Members welcomed the proposals within the submitted report.

Responding to Member enquiries, the Board received information on the recent announcement regarding the further provision of Basic Needs funding that Leeds was to receive for new places. In acknowledging the need for investment in both Royds School and Wetherby High School, it was highlighted that consideration needed to be given to how that funding would be allocated, and that further information would be provided to Board Members in due course. Also, it was confirmed that the Council would continue to make representations to Government about additional resource that was required for refurbishment and expansion of capacity across the school estate. Discussion was also had on the level of resource which was needed in Leeds to meet the demands that the city faced.

Given the current circumstances, it was requested that monitoring continued on the school expansions programme, particularly in respect of those expansions scheduled to be operational in September 2020.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to set the overall project budget for the redevelopment of Benton Park School at £28.5m, and that ‘approval to spend’ on this figure be agreed, subject to future design and cost reports being submitted and approvals being sought at the appropriate juncture, with it also being noted that the figure of £28.5m is inclusive of all aspects of the project, including: the construction contract figure, off-site highways works, client held contingency, furniture and equipment, decant costs, service connections etc.;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Children and Families to enable the Director to approve future design and cost reports associated with the redevelopment of Benton Park School, in conjunction with the School Places Programme Board and in consultation with the Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment;

(c)  That it be noted that the programme dates identified in section 3.2 of the submitted report, in relation to the implementation of this resolution, represents the critical path for project success and must be adhered to where possible;

(d)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for implementation of such matters is the Head of Service Learning Systems.

(During the consideration of this item, Councillor Golton drew the Board’s attention to the fact that he was a governor at Royds School)

The formal proposal to expand the school was subject to a separate statutory consultation process.  The required construction project arising from this has been subject to separate and ongoing consultation.  Ward member briefings have taken place periodically at key junctures.

The proposal to expand Benton Park School has been subject to the following consultees; Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment, Guiseley & Rawdon Ward Members, Leeds City Council Planning Department (including landscape & urban design), Leeds City Council Highways Department, Leeds City Council Asset Management Department, Staff at the existing school, local residents, parents and carers in the affected wards.  Consultation is ongoing through development of the project.