Decision details

That it be NOTED that:

1.     The Department for Education (DfE) are to construct a new school building for Russell Scott Primary School, which will be situated on the current Russell Scott site and then demolish the existing Russell Scott School building

2.     Whilst this is a DfE funded build, there are likely to be some associated ancillary costs with the works which the Council are liable for.  The extent of these costs is unknown.

3.     Russell Scott is to Academise, the current projected date is 1 January 2025, the academisation is forecast to complete before the works start on site.

That it be DETERMINED that:

4.     The Council enters into a Memorandum of Understanding with the DfE and Russell Scott Primary School (or its subsequent multi academy Trust) as is provided in Appendix 1.

5.     The building of the school and any council liable costs associated with the build are to be approved and monitored through the Strategic Planning and Capital Monitoring Panel.

Russell Scott Primary School has had considerable condition issues for over 25 years – it was originally part of the BSF programme because of its condition for rebuild but this was never progressed.  Remodelling works were completed to create additional space but the underlying condition issues were never addressed and these have continued to cause a significant number of problems affecting the use of the building.  Consequently following much campaigning by the local MP, the DfE has agreed to provide a new school building.  The size of the Russell Scott School estate allows for the construction of the new building to be erected on the current site then for the existing building to be demolished and the grounds landscaped with the potential to include sports provisions within the boundary.

The DfE have requested a Memorandum of Understanding be signed to allow the project to progress.