Waste of £5billion

5:12pm Saturday 21st October 2006

Comments (0)   Have your say »

I have been following the saga of Stockton Heath Primary School for some time now.

As such, I was interested in seeing the full version of the independent evaluation of the project. I must say that it is extremely professional, detailed and honest. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be very complimentary of either option being considered. What a shame that the project it is written about is not to the same high standard.

Initially it talks of the project specifications, it comments that, in nearly all of the sections, that there has been little detailed thought put into the early stages with general statements instead of detailed analysis.

Admittedly it does state that the new build option is the cheaper version, however, it later transpires in the report that the project timings for the new build option are overly optimistic and the refurbishment option the timings are excessive. This will inevitably lead to problems which, in turn, will lead to delays and increased costs. So it would seem that both options have not been fully thought through and, in terms of cost and length, are similar. Amazingly, a structural survey of the existing building has not been carried out hence demolition or refurbishment whichever option is chosen, again undoubtedly problems will incur.

There were also significant comments regarding the lack of risk assessment of the options. This does not bode well for keeping within budget and time. A failure to plan is a plan to fail, as the saying goes.

It would seem however, that the council is determined to press on with the new build option and ignore this sound advice, with supposed claims of "education for the 21st century." What does the report say about this new build?

It concludes that "the budget constraints and brief requirements appear to have constrained radical thinking and the options are considered not to demonstrate the national aspiration of inspiring learning environments".

So, after wasting probably nearer to £5 million of taxpayers' money, creating an inferior learning environment, to the one that already exists, it is not very impressive is it?

Could do better' could be an appropriate comment.

TONY MURPHY Stockton Heath