This month the cost and research departments of Mott Green & Wall and Davis Langdon and Everest, examine the cost and specifications of services installations in schools.
Capital spending on school buildings has risen dramatically over the past two years. In 2000, public expenditure on schools, expressed in terms of new orders won by contractors, increased in real terms by 20% to £986 million.

In addition to these funds, private investment in schools and universities, in particular that related to PFI expenditure, increased by 42% in 2000, with new orders rising to £577 million.

This investment is urgently required. OFSTED has identified that one in five schools in England have accommodation that is in such poor condition that teaching is adversely affected. So far, this increased spending has been focused on replacing temporary classrooms and small scale repair and refurbishment works. However, the second phase of the New Deal for Schools, announced in January 2001 will provide funding over the next four years for the complete rebuilding or refurbishment of 650 schools, together with resources for the refurbishment of 7000 schools.

The growth of the PFI schools market, which currently involves over 450 schools, with a capital spend of over £800 million, is encouraging a trend towards the development of good quality, new build schools.

Whereas in the previous cost model for school buildings (Building Services Journal, September 1996), the focus was on the piecemeal development of classroom blocks and science facilities as part of an existing school, much current investment is directed towards the comprehensive redevelopment of new facilities.

The focus on new build has particular benefits for PFI schemes including:

  • Construction of flexible space that can accommodate a range of uses during the school's planned lifespan.

  • Development of space that is more efficient to heat, maintain and run and which is environmentally friendly.

  • Development of school buildings that are popular with pupils.

  • Projects that can be built quickly to generate early revenue and which minimise disruption to the work of pupil and teachers.

As the emphasis in PFI schemes is on long term operation, many PFI consortia are opting to invest in higher quality construction to generate benefits in lower operating costs and to minimise unitary charge penalties related to facility downtime.

However, budgetary pressures, particularly on centrally funded schemes, are continuing to constrain the adoption of low energy innovations which involve additional capital expenditure, such as the use of Termodeck slabs for room cooling in deep plan areas.

Cost model
The cost model is based on the analysis of a new build school development in Southern England. The school comprises a three-storey main teaching building with a gross floor area of 5850 m2 together with separate buildings for music and drama, sports facilities, catering and reception/administration. The total floor area of the scheme is 9000 m2.

  • Project parameters

    Procurement
    Two stage selective tendering
    Main contract
    JCT 98 with quantities, with contractor's design portion supplement
    Subcontract
    DOM 1, with separate mechanical and electrical packages
    Basis of tender
    Specification and drawings
    Overall contract period
    60 weeks
    Value of services (including lifts)
    £2 130 000

  • Main design parameters

    Thermal conditions – external
    Winter: -1°C 100% rh
    Summer: 29°C db 20°C w
    Thermal conditions: internal
    Heating
    Classrooms and administration areas: 18°C
    Circulation spaces, washrooms and sports facilities: 15°C
    Cooling
    Recommended design temperature: 23°C ± 4°C
    Ventilation
    Teaching accommodation: 8 litres/s/person
    Washrooms and changing space: 6 ac/h
    Heating systems
    Low pressure hot water: 82°C flow, 71°C return
    Electrical supply
    400 V, three-phase, four-wire
    Lighting
    Lighting to general areas: 300 lux
    Lighting where task is of detailed nature:minimum 500 lux
    Stairs and corridors: 80-120 lux at floor level
    Entrance halls, lobbies etc: 175-250 lux at an appropriate level
    Toilets: 200 lux
    Plantrooms: 150 lux

    Exclusions

    Main contractor’s preliminaries, overheads, attendances and profit
    Builder’s work in connection with engineering services
    Loose furniture, fittings and equipment
    Data and telephone wiring
    External works and external services installations
    Below ground drainage
    Statutory authority connection charges
    Professional fees
    VAT
    Inflation beyond 4th Quarter 2001