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.
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
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 profitBuilder’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
Source
Building Sustainable Design
Postscript
Acknowledgements
Mott Green and Wall would like to thank the Property, Business and Regulatory department of Hampshire County Council for their assistance in the preparation of this article.
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