Agenda item

(a)  That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Commissioner for Education & Children, be given delegated authority to:

  i.  finalise the agreement between the Council and the EFA regarding the EFA’s contribution to the accommodation works required in order that the Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy project can proceed on the former Arbour Vale site (specifically, relocation of the Creative Dance Academy, internal remodelling for St Joseph’s to provide replacement classrooms and a dance studio, a new 4-court sports hall and MUGA), and

  ii.  agree the sum that Slough will contribute to deliver these projects.

(b)  That any contribution from Slough towards the accommodation works be financed from Basic Need grant.

(c)  That Officers proceed with the accommodation works once contracts are exchanged for Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.

(d)  That land near Castleview be leased to the Trust of Ditton Park Academy for a new school.

(e)  That land formerly used by Arbour Vale School be leased to the Secretary of State for use by Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.

The Head of Asset Management introduced a report which sought approval for the disposal of the Castleview and former Arbour Vale School sites for new free schools and to agree potential funding from the Basic Need grant for the planned works at the Orchard Centre and St Joseph’s in the event the level of funding from the Education Funding Agency (EFA) did not meet the actual cost of the planned works.

The EFA had agreed to purchase land near Castleview for use by Ditton Park Academy and agreement had been reached to lease part of the land formerly used by Arbour Vale School to the Secretary of State for use by the Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.  The Cabinet was updated on the progress since the previous decisions on these matters in April 2014 and September 2014.  Commissioners considered the independent valuation of the Castleview site, as included in the Part II appendix and tabled updated valuation, without disclosing any exempt information.  The Officer stated that the independent valuation had confirmed the Council would obtain best value for the land at Castleview.  In relation to the former Arbour Vale School site, it was noted that in addition to the new Free School, the agreement would provide for enhancements to St Joseph’s including replacement classrooms, dance studio, sports hall and multi-use games area and land for the Community Sport Facility to proceed.  Free Schools were externally funded by the Department for Education and the construction costs of the two new secondary schools were estimated to be £36m of new investment in much needed school places in Slough at no cost to the Authority.

Commissioners discussed the arrangements for relocating the Creative Dance Academy to Orchard YCC and the West Wing Arts Centre to a combination of the Orchard Centre and The Curve.  In agreeing the recommendations set out in the report, the Cabinet welcomed the significant progress that had been made in reaching a position to provide the two new Free Schools, enhancements at St Joseph’s and new Community Sports Facility at Arbour Park.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Commissioner for Education & Children, be given delegated authority to:

  i.  finalise the agreement between the Council and the EFA regarding the EFA’s contribution to the accommodation works required in order that the Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy project can proceed on the former Arbour Vale site (specifically, relocation of the Creative Dance Academy, internal remodelling for St Joseph’s to provide replacement classrooms and a dance studio, a new 4-court sports hall and MUGA), and

  ii.  agree the sum that Slough will contribute to deliver these projects.

(b)  That any contribution from Slough towards the accommodation works be financed from Basic Need grant.

(c)  That Officers proceed with the accommodation works once contracts are exchanged for Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.

(d)  That land near Castleview be leased to the Trust of Ditton Park Academy for a new school.

(e)  That land formerly used by Arbour Vale School be leased to the Secretary of State for use by Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.