A report by the Acting Director of Children’s Services advised the Cabinet of the outcome of the tender process for the project to construct a synthetic football pitch and changing facilities at Woodchurch High School.  The report sought ratification from Members of the acceptance of the reduced scheme and accepted the lowest tender submitted on a bill of adjustments by Blakedown Sports & Play.  The report also sought approval for this scheme to be available for school use after the school’s transfer to Academy status as per a lease agreement between the Academy and the Council, with the pitch remaining in the ownership of the Council.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the lowest tender submitted by Blakedown Sports & Play, to construct the pitch as detailed in the report, be accepted in the sum of £504,757.00;

(2)  the 3G pitch upon completion remains in Local Authority ownership and be operated by the school as per a lease agreement following the schools’ transfer to Academy Status. The proposed terms of the lease agreement are as follows: 20 year lease at a peppercorn rent with the school/Academy taking responsibility for all overheads i.e. repairs, maintenance, utilities, supplies, insurance, costs and maintenance of equipment;

(3)  Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to execute an appropriate construction contract with Blakedown Sports & Play in due course, subject to them developing a satisfactory Health & Safety Plan; and

(4)  the approved scheme be the reduced scheme as set out at paragraph 4.6 of the report, to build the pitch only, funded by CYPD and delegated school funding.