Decision details

The County Council has a statutory duty to provide sufficient primary and secondary school places for all children who need a place. As part of the secondary school curriculum, Physical Education is a core subject and suitable provision is required to ensure a wide range of sport can be offered to ensure children are given the Best Start in Life.

The Weald School in Billingshurst accommodates 1700 pupils aged 11-18 and has a mix of indoor PE provision (sports hall, activity hall) and external provision (grass pitches, multi-use games area and All Weather Pitch (AWP)).

The existing sand dressed AWP has reached the end of its life and requires replacement. The pitch regularly floods and drainage has failed and is inadequate. The pitch is currently used by both the school and community groups.

Section 106 funds in excess of the budget sought have been received. The condition of the associated agreements is such that the funds can only be used on projects at The Weald Community School in Billingshurst.

In January 2020 the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills took a decision (decision reference ES08 (19/20)) to approve the allocation of £750,000 from Section 106 funds to fund the replacement of the AWP and the completion of a procurement process for the delivery of works.  In addition the Cabinet Member approved the delegation of authority to the Director of Property and Assets to award the contract.

The Director of Property and Assets has approved the award of the construction contract to replace the all weather pitch at The Weald School to Blakedown Sport & Play Limited for the sum of £722,505.00 which is affordable within the overall budget of £840,000 for this project, subject to the requirements set out in section 11 of the report. The project has been funded from received Section 106 contributions from developers.

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