Decision details

That:

         i.            the scope and programme for Blue Mountain Learning Village as per paragraphs 5.12 and 5.13 of the Chief Executive’s report be approved.

       ii.            the funding model as per Appendix 3 of the Chief Executive’s Report for the delivery of the Learning Village after noting the dependencies and risks (paragraphs 5.14 to 5.39 of the Chief Executive’s report) be agreed

      iii.            the site acquisition in principle with the land owner of the Blue Mountain site as laid out in Appendix 4  of the Chief Executive’s report subject to the due diligence to be completed by the Council’s property and legal team be approved   

     iv.            the Leader be requested to arrange that the decision relating to the terms of acquisition (and disposal) of land at Blue Mountain be taken by the Executive Member for Transformation and Finance.

      v.            the Procurement Plan in Appendix 2 of the Chief Executive’s report for the use of the Improvement Efficiency South East (IESE) framework to procure the contractor for pre-construction services and main works for the Learning Village be approved

The Blue Mountain Programme is a priority for Bracknell Forest Council. The programme will deliver statutory school places required in the Borough alongside meeting the need for new housing and the associated community facilities. The strategy for this programme requires Executive approval.

Doing nothing is not an option because the Council has a statutory duty to provide sufficient pupil places. A viable alternative site for a secondary school is not available.

Recommended Option

On the assumption that a commercial deal between the land owner of the Blue Mountain site and the Bracknell Town Football Club will be made, a Learning Village co-located with the football club is the preferred option for the programme. However, the co-location is dependent upon several external factors including a commercial element between the football club and the land owner; the football club will need to provide funding for its re-location and the new facilities; shared provision will need to be operationally viable for both the school and the football club.

Default Option

In the event that the option for the Learning Village and Bracknell Town Football Club co-location is not achievable, the default option will be to deliver the Learning Village by September 2017 without co-location.

None