Published on Thursday 06 February 2020
The expansion of Carter Community School in Hamworthy, Poole is set to continue subject to approval of a revised financial plan for it to progress.
Councillors will meet at BCP Council Cabinet on 12 February 2020 to consider recommendations for a new financial plan in order for works to complete school facilities for an additional 300 pupils.
The project was initially funded entirely by the former Borough of Poole Council with £6.5M provided to meet statutory requirements to provide enough secondary school places in the area. The project is being delivered by United Learning Trust (ULT), the Academy that operates the school.
Following a procurement process, the construction contract for the project was awarded. However, soon after the commencement of works on site, serious issues were identified which led to work on site being delayed whilst all parties worked on finding a solution.
The council and ULT has recommended a financial package that means that both will need to contribute additional funds in order for the project to progress and be completed.
Councillor Sandra Moore, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
"We have been working hard with our partner, United Learning Trust to look at ways that we could access the additional funding needed to continue and get this much needed school expansion complete. The Council must provide more school places for local children and it is important that a financial solution is agreed so that this project can be finished as soon as possible enabling new school facilities to be delivered."
The school expansion project includes, new blocks for general teaching, technology and drama as well as remodelling and refurbishment of the science and English blocks, toilets, staff room and learning resource centre.