0845 603 0590 
Committee Reports and Agendas
May 2007 to Present
 | NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Education Executive |
| Agenda Item 5 9 March 2010 |
| Subject: | Replacement Options for Garnock Academy |
| Purpose: | To advise the Education Executive of options available when considering the replacement of Garnock Academy. |
| Recommendation: | That the Education Executive (a) notes (i) the options available; and (ii) the views expressed by the Change Sounding Board; and (b) agrees that option 3 is the most appropriate option for further development. |
1. Introduction
- the extent of the facilities to be included, and
- the site for the new facility.
- 1.1 The Scottish Government has announced a programme of school replacements with support in the delivery of new buildings being provided through the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT). North Ayrshire Council has been successful in gaining funding support for the replacement of Garnock Academy as part of this project.
1.2 The funding support for the building of a secondary is based on a like for like approach. This effectively means that the SFT funding will support the replacement of the existing school facilities based on its existing school roll. Any changes, for example enhanced community facilities, or a larger school in anticipation of future house building, will require to be funded by the authority or through alternative arrangements. The funding support is limited to two thirds of the cost of a secondary school. While no information is available on the anticipated financial support, COSLA has estimated a cost of £37m for a new secondary school, resulting in a Council contribution of around £12.5m. It is anticipated that the SFT funding will not be available until around 2012/13.
1.3 In preparing for the implementation of this project the Council will require to consider two major issues:
1.4 Linked to the decision on the extent of the facilities to be built is the capital funding required to deliver the overall project.
1.5 This paper outlines the facilities options and notes the capital requirements related to these options.
2. Current Position
- Extent of the New School Facility
2.1 The building of a new secondary school to serve the Garnock Valley offers an opportunity to consider the inclusion of other services. As indicated above any such development will require to be funded by the Council.
2.2 In considering the possibilities there are four options which could be pursued. These relate to creating a campus by including the non-denominational primary school provision in the Kilbirnie area and the possible replacement of the Garnock pool. The options are summarised below.
- Option 1 – Replace Garnock Academy
- Option 2 – Replace Garnock Academy and Amalgamate Primary Schools
- Option 3 – Secondary and Primary School Campus with Leisure Facilities
2.5 The most ambitious option would include a new swimming pool and some enhanced PE facilities on the campus of the combined secondary and primary schools. This would replace the Garnock pool, thus removing future maintenance issues related to the pool building. The leisure facilities would be shared with the schools, by a joint use arrangement, and would possibly be managed by a Trust. Anticipated cost to the Council £30.5m.
- Option 4 – Secondary School and new Leisure Facilities
Capital Financing
2.7 Funding any of the above options will require capital support from the Council’s capital programme. While it has been noted that the replacement school will require an allocation of £12.5million of capital funding, the enhanced options have not been considered in the capital budget process to date.
2.8 In considering the options it should be noted that the different options offer varying degrees of integration of facilities with efficiencies of plant and services and corresponding financial benefits. It is not possible to identify any potential revenue savings at this early stage and increases in rateable values, due to the significant capital investment, will also impact on potential revenue savings.
2.9 However, should the amalgamation of the two primary schools be approved there would be a degree of revenue saving which could fund capital borrowing. This could amount to around £2 million to £3 million.
2.10 Some savings could be achieved from currently approved projects within the capital plan. The current programme allows for £1 million of investment at Glengarnock Primary School.
2.11 In addition, the different options provide different levels of capital receipt in the future depending on which sites could be made available. It is not possible to quantify the potential income at this early stage due to the market conditions, the planning considerations related to housing development in the area and any potential ground conditions and site access issues.
2.12 It should, therefore, be noted that any of the enhanced options would require additional capital funding and, if adopted, would require the capital programme to be re-prioritised in the future to make the necessary resources available.
- Site Identification
2.13 A number of potential sites exist in the Garnock Valley. Officers are currently considering the merits of these locations and recommendations will be brought forward at a future date.
2.14 The decision of the extent of provision, as noted in the four options, will influence the views on the potential sites.
2.15 Finally, it should be noted that formal consultation with parents and the community will be required in respect of:
- (a) a change of site for the secondary school, and
(b) any proposed amalgamation of the two primary schools.
3. Proposals
3.1 In order to progress the development of options for the replacement of Garnock Academy it is necessary to clarify and identify the most appropriate level of facilities to include in the project.
3.2 This paper recognises the capital requirements of a number of options and highlights the need for further consideration of how the selected option might be funded.
3.2 This paper recognises the capital requirements of a number of options and highlights the need for further consideration of how the selected option might be funded.
4. Implications
Financial Implications
4.1 Any financial implications related to an enhanced provision would require additional capital funding as outlined in this report. This would require the current capital plan to be revisited in addition to utilising any efficiency saving achieved.
Human Resource Implications
4.2 There are no human resource implications from this report.
Legal Implications
4.3 There are no legal implications from this report.
Equality Implications
4.4 There are no equality implications from this report.
Environmental Implications
4.5 There are no environmental implications from this report. The eventual implementation of the project to replace the school will consider environmental issues.
Implications for Key Priorities
4.6 This proposal would support the SOA outcomes 3 "opportunities for lifelong learning have increased" and 15 "public services are more efficient and effective".
5. Consultations
5.1 Consultation has taken place with the Change Sounding Board, The Chief Executive and the Corporate Director (Finance & Infrastructure).
5.2 The Change Sounding Board considered the information available and expressed the view that option 3, to create a secondary and primary school campus with leisure facilities, should be the preferred option for further development.
6. Conclusion
6.1 In order to make the most efficient and effective use of officer time, the Education Executive is asked to agree that option 3 be further developed.
| CAROL KIRK Corporate Director (Education and Skills) |
Reference : JL
For further information please contact Jim Leckie, Head of Service (Community/Culture) , on telephone number 01294 324414
Background Papers : None
Committee Reports and Agendas
Facebook
