Decision details

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Resources which provided an update on the progress of the new Countesswells Primary School project.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)      note that this project forms part of the Education New Build Programme presented to the Capital Programme, Strategic Commissioning and City Growth and Resources Committees in September 2018.  The project will also contribute to the delivery of Aberdeen City Council’s Early Learning and Childcare Expansion Programme of works;

(b)      note that design and commercial proposals have been developed for this project by Hub North Scotland, ready for implementation; and

(c)      instructs the Chief Officer Capital to advise future Capital Programme Committees of the revised programme and budget for the delivery of this project, taking into account: progress on obtaining ownership of the site, and receiving the outstanding developer contributions.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to note that this project formed part of the Education New Build Programme Presented to the Capital Programme, Strategic Commissioning and City Growth and Resources Committees in September 2018 and that the project would contribute to the delivery of Aberdeen City Council’s Early Learning and Childcare Expansion Programme of works;

(ii)      to note that design and commercial proposals had been developed for this project by Hub North Scotland, ready for implementation;

(iii)      to note the decision of Council on 3rd March 2021 in respect of the School Estate;

(iv)     to note the risk regarding legally binding developer obligations was highlighted at Council at its budget meeting on 10th March 2021.

(v)      to instruct the Chief Officer Capital to report back to the Capital Programme Committee on 26th May on the developer’s current obligations under the Section 75 legal agreement and following consideration of all the risks to make recommendations to proceed or not to proceed with the project; and

(vi)     to agree that any delay to this project lay solely with the developer and not with the Council.

-        MARIE BOULTON, Convener