Does anyone know what's happening about the new high school in wick, is it still going ahead or has it been put on hold or something
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Does anyone know what's happening about the new high school in wick, is it still going ahead or has it been put on hold or something
Here is the latest newsletter on the project confirming build to start in Autumn next year with completion by summer 2015.
3 new schools will proceed along with new community facilities - swimming pool and library. Many other features will be included one of the major ones being a cover street joining the high school, primary school and the community facilities. This will take account of the weather we get n the north of Scotland. Wick is likely to be one of very few towns with all new schools in Scotland.
The Wick Project
The Wick Project includes the Wick Campus
(incorporating the ‘South of the River’ Primary
School, High School and East Caithness
Community Facilities) on the Wick
High/Pulteneytown Primary School site, and the
new ‘North of the River’ Primary School to be built
on the current North Primary School site.
This Newsletter brings everybody up to date with
progress on the whole project in Wick.
The Wick Campus
As part of the requirements of Scottish Government
funding, the Council is working in partnership with
Hub North Scotland Ltd (the Hub -
www.hubnorthscotland.co.uk) to complete the
remaining design and construction of the new
facilities. This process also involves the Scottish
Futures Trust www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk acting
on the Scottish Government’s behalf. More
information on these organisations can be found by
clicking on the links.
hub North Scotland – local involvement
hub North Scotland are delighted to be partnering
Highland Council in this exciting new Schools
Projects.
In this respect, members of the hub North Team
plan to visit Wick on the 12th and 13th November to
meet with local members of the Supply Chain and
the Local Community. We will provide times and
location prior to our visit but meantime if you would
like further information please contact Jill Adie on
07875388898 or by email
jill.adie@hubnorthscotland.onmicrosoft.com
The Hub/Council Process
The Council and the Hub have a process to follow.
Detailed below is this process, with an approximate
timeline:
New Project Request (NPR) – submitted by
Council to Hub on 2 July 2012
NPR response – Hub accepted NPR in Aug 2012
Stage 1 – Hub have to respond to Council
accepting that the project can be delivered within
Affordability Caps set by the Council. This is
expected in October. The Scottish Futures Trust
(SFT) and then the Council have to assess, and
then decide on moving to the next Stage.
(continued in next column)
Stage 2 – Hub then develop the design, and
negotiate a detailed contract with the Council.
Formal submission of this Stage from Hub is
expected midsummer 2013. Again both the SFT
and the Council have to assess the proposal, and
agree to sign the contract. This period may take up
to 3 months.
Construction – begins in Autumn 2013, with
schools scheduled to become operational in August
2015.
The above at this stage involves only the High
School and Community facilities within the Campus.
The new ‘South of the River’ Primary
part of the Campus will follow the same process,
and will have ‘caught up’ as far as time is
concerned with negotiations and contract sign by
midsummer, so that the whole campus build starts
at the same time.
Stakeholder Group
This is currently being reformed to include the
Primary School Stakeholders. A meeting has not
yet been arranged – principally because there has
been no real development of the plans for the
campus in recent weeks.
In particular, the floor plans for the High School
and Community Facilities have not changed since
issued in Newsletter No. 1.
Wick Campus – Primary School
The Brief has been agreed, with the
accommodation as follows:
13 Classrooms, each with built in store and
cloakroom
Expressive Arts room and store
Break out Space
2 Nursery Rooms, with kitchen, cloakrooms,
toilets and storage
2 Learning Support Rooms
Enhanced Provision Area for children with
specific needs
Games Hall – 2 badminton Court size, with
changing and stores
Offices – Administration, Head Teacher and
Depute, Staff Work Base (continued on next
page)
More information can be found on the Wick High School web site at http://www.wickhighschool.org/index....-school-build5
Will the new high school have a leaky roof to remind us of the old one? I hope so. :cool:
Seriously though, well done Bill for getting this fantastic new development for the town. It's a great achievement. Ok, it will be when it's finally finished. :cool:
Thankyou Bill appreciate the info
A report to The Adult and Children's Services Committee of Highland Council on Wednesday 7th Novermber 2012 will show progress is being maintained to deliver the new schools.
5.0 SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL ESTATE REVIEW (SSER)
5.1 Wick - the Stage 1 submission from Hub North Scotland Limited (Hubco) is currently being considered by officials. The Stage 1 submission provides the indicative project costs required to meet the Highland Council design requirements. It is proposed that an update report is brought to the Finance, Housing & Resources Committee on the 28th November. The accommodation schedule for the new Primary School south of the River Wick has been agreed with stakeholders and the New Project Request document (containing details of the project specification and related Affordability Caps will be brought to this Committee in January 2013.) The education brief and accommodation schedule for the new Primary School north of the River Wick is currently being progressed in consultation with local stakeholders and should be completed by the end of the calendar year. At this stage all 3 new schools and the new community facilities remain on track to open in August 2015.
The full papers for the committee can be found at
http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcounc...-07-acs-ag.htm
Whats the status with the project. I seem to remember planning permission submittal proposed for Feb / March. I cant find anything on HUBCO's website nor current plans on Wick High School or Highland Councils websites. I cant believe how quiet this project seems to be in the public domain. £50millon being spent and barely a squeek ?
Its still moving forward with lots of talk talk going on between HC HUBCO etc. I was under the impression that it would be quiet around now however once everything's agreed and they make a start late summer of this year the project would then move forward very quickly.
http://www.wickhighschool.org/index....pdf&Itemid=201
Thanks for the link AIB.
I understand the designs are now at issue B and i'm darned if i can find them on any website. Seems a bit odd cos they should be sifficient for submittal for planning permission shortly. I understand that when projects claim to come in on time and cost, the original design scope / quality is often compromised.
Minutes from the Stakeholder Group 22 November 2012
Date & time: 22 November 2012
Venue: Wick High School
Contract title: Wick High School
Contract No: 3511443A/NMW
Purpose: Community Liaison Group Meeting
Attendees:
Cllr Neil Macdonald - The Highland Council
Catherine Patterson - CVG
Robbie Macdonald - HLH Wick Library
Roslyn Bruce - Milton Residents Association
George Harper - High School Parent
Bill Bruce - Caithness Kayake Club
Lilian Wark - Pulteneytown Academy
Sindy Rudhall - Pulteneytown Academy Parent Council & Wick High Parent Council
Eric Baijal - South School Primary Parent Council
Pat Bowers - South School
Anne Macbeath - Wick High
Sheona Henderson - Wick High
Elena Koponen-Baikie - Pulteneytown Academy
Allan Farquhar - Community Liaison
Ken Allan - The Highland Council
Tom McIntyre - Rector, WHS
Cllr Bill Fernie - The Highland Council
Ron Mackenzie - The Highland Council
Keith Moncur - High Life Highland
Brenda Jones - Parsons Brinckerhoff
Tom Logan - The Highland Council
Alex Dickson - The Highland Council
1.0
Project Update
Ron Mackenzie gave an update on the project.
The Council issued a New Project Request to the Northern Hub in July. This set the following affordability caps:
£26.8m capital
£550k maintenance costs per annum
Since then, HubCo has been reviewing the design prepared by the Council and has held discussions with the Council team.
The following aspects of the design are ‘immoveable’.
- separation of community facilities from school
- separate access for Primary School
HubCo is due to submit its Stage 1 proposal by 7th December. This is due to be considered at the Council meeting on 20th December.
Following that, Hubco will tender the works and submit a final price to the Council in approximately July 2013.
The planning application is due to be submitted in approximately March 2013.
The council intends to issue New Project Requests for the joint campus primary school in January 2013 and for the new primary school in North Wick in March 2013.
The Council’s Asset Management Team will start in 2013 to seek alternative uses, by other parties, for the surplus buildings/land. If not sold, the council will demolish the existing Primary buildings and pool. The Council will not demolish the existing library. Councillor Fernie advised that there is some interest in alternative uses for the library. The relevant group needs to prepare a business case for the use.
Councillor Fernie advised that the Council would not seek to put restrictions on the future uses of the buildings in the disposal process.
2.0
Presentation of Joint Campus Primary School
Alex Dickson reminded the group of the proposals for the High School and presented the proposed layout of the Primary School.
The Primary School has classrooms off a central atrium, similar to the High School design.
The entrance from Seaforth Avenue is to the upper level of the school.
Ken Allan advised that there have been several consultation meetings with members of the two Primary School Parent Councils and the two Head Teachers over the brief and design proposals for the Primary School.
Pat Bowers and Lillian Wark confirmed that the architects had been very responsive to comments on the emerging designs. The pupils have been consulted on the landscape design.
Ken Allan advised that the classrooms are 63m2. In addition, there are internal and external break-out spaces next to all classrooms. This is larger than the 55m2 classroom suggested by the Scottish Futures Trust.
RM advised that the Council did not intend to cut costs by using cheap furniture and finishings, as this would not represent long term value for money.
Bill Fernie asked that stone chips not be used in the external landscaping, as they usually get scattered around.
NOTE
Ken Allan advised that Hub will present the designs to parents, pupils and teachers as they develop. This is in addition to the planning consultation process.
3.0
Hubco: opportunities for local businesses
Mike Felton, Project Director for Northern Hub gave a presentation about construction opportunities for local businesses.
Hub North is a partnership between the public and private sectors. Two projects are on site (in Aberdeen) six others, are at the development stage.
Hub supports the aim of maximising local work on projects.
Hub has selected Miller Construction as the preferred main contractor, following a price and quality tender process
Hubco is contractually committed to tender 80% of contracts to local construction businesses. MF advised that the contract does not define “local” as this will vary between areas, but would like to have discussions on this matter. Hubco’s intention is to be as local as possible.
MF clarified that the 80% figure relates to Hubco providing opportunities to tender for local businesses. The actual tender lists will depend on the response of local companies. Some concern was expressed about the ability of local companies to provide sufficient people for the project. MF advised that the selection of materials will take account of availability of local expertise. It was noted that builders in Caithness often tend to do more than one trade.
250 small and micro sized enterprises have already registered interest in working for Hubco.
Companies who work for Hubco will be expected to take on trainees. MF confirmed that Hubco will also look at providing work experience placements.
It was suggested that training courses could be run locally to overcome skill gaps, e.g. dry lining. Also, there is a lot of information available about local skill sets.
Hubco will arrange a roadshow for local businesses in February. This will involve Miller construction and contact with local agencies.
HUBCO
Hubco will ask interested companies to ‘pre-qualify’ and can provide assistance with this process.
Tom McIntyre advised that the school is keen to provide local opportunities for developing construction skills.
MF advised that each part of the construction works will be competitively tendered.
There will be a financial penalty if the works run late. RM advised that the council’s PPP schools were delivered on time, with only 2 schools late by a matter of days.
4.0
Future Stakeholder Group
RM advised that the design of the new Primary Schools will progress rapidly at the start of 2013.
The Council would like to have one stakeholder group for all the school projects in Wick. This would comprise representatives of Parent Councils, community users and elected members. The first meeting would be held in January.
It was noted that the High School has 11 feeder primaries. There should be a mechanism for parents from these schools to be consulted. It was noted that the Head Teachers of the Associated Schools Group have a monthly meeting with the High School Head Teacher. It was agreed that this forum could be used for communication about the joint campus.
KA advised that there would be additional meetings about specific matters, e.g. a meeting to discuss the library design could involve all five members of the library user group.
This proposal was accepted. The Council will prepare a proposed membership list for this group and circulate for comment.
RM advised that the stakeholder group would need to develop a communications strategy. All communication should come from one source. It was noted that information should be available in one web location.
Brenda Jones advised that Safe Routes to school groups with teacher and parent representatives will be set up shortly.
Below is the agenda from last night's meeting where presentations were made by Hubco, Millers and Highland council.
Minutes will be produced and presented at the next meeting in about 2 months time. Briefly it was stated that the council and Hubco were negotiating the contract and this would be finalised in the Autumn.
Concerns were express that this appeared to be a delay but Mr Mackenzie said that there had been contingency time built in. Start to the schools etc would be early in 2014 but that the hand over date remained the same June 2015.
Millers representative said they would be holding a meet the Suppliers Day in Mackays hotel on 27th March and this would be widely advertised.
Millers are keen to maximise local suppliers and to maintain their corporate responsibility to the local community by ensuring that apprenticeships are increased in the area. They have had discussion with North highland college to facilitate training course that will be required for those that gain apprenticeships.
School children will be involved in the search for new names for the two primary schools. Emphasis was place on maintaining separate identity for the new primary within the 3 - 18 campus and that is should not be seen as the primary wing of the High School.
Planning permissions are likely to be sought by the end of April. There wilbe further public consultations by developers when the detailed plans are available. work is ongoing and gaining pace.
Agenda if meeting on 4th March 2013
Meeting Wick Stakeholder Group
Date & time: Monday 4th March 2013, 7pm
Venue: Wick High School
Item Description and person to lead 1 Welcome from the Chair 2 Purpose of the group (RM) 3 Progress update (RM) 4 Updated design proposals for the Joint Campus (GMA Ryder) and outline design proposals for new Primary School for the north of Wick (Hubco Architect & Highland Council Architect) 5 Proposals for engagement with local supply chain and training (Hubco) 6 Proposals for communication plan (Hubco/RM) 7 Process for naming new Primary Schools (RM) 8 Next steps and key milestones (Hubco) 9 Date of next meeting 10 Any other competent business
March 2013 - Newsletter
The Wick Project
The Wick Project includes the Wick Campus (incorporating the ‘South of the River’ Primary School, High School and East Caithness Community Facilities) on the Wick High/Pulteneytown Academy Primary School site, and the new ‘North of the River’ Primary School to be built on the current North Primary School site.
This Newsletter brings everybody up to date with progress.
On the Web
This newsletter and newsletters 1 and 2 issued in June and October last year are available at http://www.highland.gov.uk/learningh...ingsprogramme/
In addition, presentations used at Stakeholder Meetings for the two new Primary Schools, along with minutes of the new Stakeholder Group, are also included here. Note however, that these are still in development, and are a ‘snapshot’ of the designs to get feedback from Stakeholders.
Reminder - Hub/Council Process
The Council and Hub North Scotland Ltd (HNSL) have a process to follow. Detailed below is this process, with an approximate timeline:
New Project Request (NPR) – starts the process
Stage 1 – HNSL respond to Council accepting that the project can be delivered within Affordability Caps set by the Council. The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) and then the Council have to assess, and then decide on moving to the next Stage.
Stage 2 – HNSL then develop the design, and negotiate a detailed contract with the Council. Again both the SFT and the Council have to assess the proposal, and agree to sign the contract. This period may take up to 3 months.
Construction – for the Campus, begins in late 2013, for North of the River later (smaller project) with all facilities scheduled to become operational in August 2015.
Where are we now?
Wick High School and Community Facilities have begun the Stage 2 design process, with the Primary Schools’ NPR due for submission to HNSL in April/May 2013.
New Stakeholder Group
A new Stakeholder Group has been formed which covers the whole Wick Project. This has representatives from the five Parent Councils of the schools involved, their Headteachers, High Life Highland, including the Library and Swimming Pool users, local Members, Wick, Sinclair Bay and Tannach and District Community Councils, Officers of the Council and HNSL.
The new group met for the first time on Monday 4th March 2013.
The minute of this meeting is on the web (see opposite), but highlights of this meeting are noted below, along with further information on developments
Progress with Developments
It was confirmed that the Council is committed to developing all the facilities for occupation by August 2015. It was noted that the total expenditure on this project would be in the order of £55M overall.
The New Project Requests for the two new Primary schools will be issued to HNSL by the Council in April / May 2013.
The current proposal for the new North of the River Primary School was shared with the meeting – this is still under development, with consultations between the architects, Staff and the Parent Councils of both existing schools continuing.
Proposals for Engagement with Local Supply Chain
Hub North Scotland Ltd (HNSL)
(http://www.hubnorthscotland.co.uk/) introduced Miller Construction, their construction partner for the project.
Miller Construction gave a presentation on how they intend to engage with local businesses who wish to become involved with the project.
In particular, Miller are organising a “Meet the Buyer” event, on Thursday 27th March, 1330 – 1700 in the MacKay Hotel, Wick – this will be advertised in the local Press and websites. Click on http://www.millerconstruction.co.uk/...ntractors.aspx
Pre Planning Public Consultations
These have provisionally been set up follows:
Wick Campus – Monday 22nd April 2013
Wick North of the River Primary School – Monday 29th April 2013
Please look out for the venue and times in the local Press.
These consultations give the opportunity for members of the public to comment on the current proposals.
The Wick Project
The Wick Project includes the Wick Campus (incorporating the ‘South of the River’ Primary School, High School and East Caithness Community Facilities) on the Wick High/Pulteneytown Primary School site, and the new ‘North of the River’ Primary School to be built on the current North Primary School site.
The Wick Campus – on the Wick High/Pulneytown Primary Site
Wick High School
East Caithness Community Facilities
- General Classrooms - all to a very high standard of ICT provision, and to include all new furnishings
- Specialist facilities for Art & Design, Physical Education (Games Hall, Gymnasium and Dance Studio), Music, Drama, Home Economics, Business and Computer Education, Technology and Science equipped to the most modern standards
- Specialist vocational provision for Practical Craft Skills, Professional cookery and Hair and Beauty
- Specialist provision for Assisted Support Needs
- Collaborative and Cooperative break out space to promote a variety of teaching methods
- Hall as part of flexible use space
- Kitchen, Dining and Café facilities
- One full sized synthetic Pitch (existing),
- One large grassed area, with 2 full sized football pitches / 400m running track/rugby pitch.
- Car and cycle parking, drop off area, and bus bays
This facility will be managed and operated by High Life Highland (HLH), who will also manage community access to other areas in the schools outwith school hours.
New Primary School on the Campus, replacing Pultneytown and South Primary Schools
- Public Library
- Swimming Pool with Floating floor, and separate Toddler Pool
- Community have access to school areas eg PE Areas, Hall, the Street etc outwith school hours
The new school will consist of:
New Primary School North of the River, replacing North and Hillhead Primary Schools – on the North Primary Site
- 13 Classrooms, each with built in store and cloakroom
- Expressive Arts room and store
- Break out Space
- 2 Nursery Rooms, with kitchen, cloakrooms, toilets and storage
- 2 Learning Support Rooms
- Enhanced Provision Area for children with specific needs
- Games Hall – 2 badminton Court size, with changing and stores
- Offices – Administration, Head Teacher and Depute, Staff Work Base
- Medical Room, Inter Agency Meeting Room, Offices for Childrens’ Services and Active Schools Coordinator
- Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and grass pitch
- External areas including garden area – for work and play (pupils have been involved in designing this with Council’s Landscape Architect).
This new school will consist of:
- 14 Classrooms, each with built in store and cloakroom
- 2 Expressive Arts room and store
- Library
- Break out Space
- 2 Nursery Rooms, with kitchen, cloakrooms, toilets and storage
- A third pre-school room
- 2 Learning Support Rooms
- Enhanced Provision Area for children with specific needs
- Games Hall – 2 badminton Court size, with changing and stores
- Dining Area with Storage
- Offices – Administration, Head Teacher and Depute, Staff Work Base
- Medical Room and Inter Agency Meeting Room
- Community Room with storage
- Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and grass pitch
- External areas including garden area – for work and play (pupils have been involved in designing this with Council’s Landscape Architect).
Links
The plans are held in large Pdf files and may take a while to download depending on your connection speed.
These plans may be subject to changes as the planning process proceeds.
Wick High School and Community Facilities
http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonly...erJune2012.pdf
Plans for Pultneytown and South new primary school
http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonly...SoRPrimary.pdf
Plans for Hillhead and North new primary school
http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonly...NoRPrimary.pdf
Planning Process begins for new Wick Schools and Community Facilities
The £50M project for two new Primary Schools, a new High School, and new Community Facilities, incorporating a replacement Library and swimming pool, due for completion for use in August 2015, takes another step forward this month.
The planning process for major works includes a “Pre-Application Consultation” in which the proposals are shared with the public, so that comments at this stage can be considered by the architects before formal Planning Applications are submitted.
For the Wick Campus, incorporating a new Primary School (amalgamating Pulteneytown Academy Primary and South Primary), a replacement High School, and the new East Caithness Community Facilities (replacing the Library and the Swimming Pool), the public exhibition is due to be held in the Assembly Rooms, Wick on Monday 22nd April from 2pm to 6.30pm.
For the new Primary School replacing Hillhead Primary and North Primary on the north of the River, the exhibition is due to be held in the Assembly Rooms, Wick on Monday 29th April from 2pm to 6.30pm.
At both exhibitions, members of the project team will be in attendance to answer any queries. Members of the public are invited to comment on the proposals there and then, or in writing over the following 14 days – full details available at the exhibition. In addition, the proposed plans will be available after each meeting on the Council’s website on http://www.highland.gov.uk/learningh...ck+Project.htm
A Council spokesman said: “People should be aware that no Planning Applications have been submitted at this stage. This is an opportunity for anyone to comment on the current proposals before such applications are made.”
Wick Stakeholder Group
The next meeting of the wick Stakeholder Group will take place on Monday 22nd April 2013 at 7.00pm in Wick High School.
An agenda has been issued and the main points are -
Progress update (RM and Hubco) Wick Joint Campus: updated design proposals (GMA Ryder) Wick Joint Campus planning process (GMA Ryder) New North of the River Primary School: updated design proposals (THC Architect) Update from meeting with contractors (Hubco) Communication plan (RM) Next steps and key milestones (Hubco)
Hi Bill,
The site plan for the Wick High School Campus,(June 2012), is this the latest plan and the most likely plan also could you tell me, if you know, what a "Battered Caithness Wall" is,thankyou.
Bill, any idea how the Assembly Rooms presentation and Stakeholder meeting thereafter went. I couldnt attend the preentation myself due to work committments, however i'm interested to know if there was a model to view / photos and if there is any feedback. Was it well attended ? i understand we have 14 days from 22nd April to comment to Highland Council. Do you have a contact reference ?
Have a look here for updates and the link for comments. :D
http://www.highland.gov.uk/learningh...ck+Project.htm
Just had a quick squint at the plans - can't seem to identify the changing rooms for the pool. Unless it is the ones in the adjacent building; surely somebody can find them for me?
Theyre there on the right hand side of the pool. To me it looks like lots of cubicles but Im not good at plans I prefer pictures.
lets hope the design of the changing rooms in wick are better than those in portree high as it was discovered after the school opened that you could see in to the female changing area from the carpark
Plans presented for new Primary School, Wick High and Community Facilities
Plans for a new schools and community school complex next to the existing Wick High School and Pulteneytown Academy has taken another step forward with the submission of a detailed planning application for the project.
Planned is:-
· a new Wick High School;
· a new primary school to replace Pulteneytown Academy Primary and South Primary; and
· the East Caithness Community Facility featuring a new swimming pool, fitness suite and library.
The Highland Council is developing the new campus in conjunction with Hub North Scotland Ltd, who will be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the facilities. The application has been submitted by Hub North Scotland Ltd.
Miller Construction are the preferred contractor for the construction of the complex. It is proposed that work starts before the end of this year with completion by August 2015. The project is being funded by The Highland Council and the Scottish Government as part of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme.
Plans for a new primary school serving the north of Wick will proceed separately, but with the same completion date of August 2015.
It is proposed to build a new North of the River Primary School , combining North and Hillhead primary schools, within the grounds of the existing North Primary School. This project will also be delivered by the Hub North Scotland Ltd, with Miller Construction as the preferred contractor.
The total value of the all the Wick projects is £53 million.
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chairman, Adult and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are maintaining momentum with this hugely important project for East Caithness with the submission of the detailed planning application for the Wick High School site. These are exciting times for the people of Wick and surrounding communities.”
Councillor Gail Ross, the Council’s Caithness Civic Leader, said: “Hugely excited at this new milestone in the preparation for the new community campus. This, along with the artists impression, floor plans etc are actual tangible things that make it feel real. We've been talking about it for so long, it’s great to see this important step."
Councillor Deirdre Mackay, Leader of the Council’s Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee, said: “This level of investment has been long overdue in Wick and it is hugely uplifting to see this major programme move steadily forward. Processes by their nature take time but it great to see this take shape and become a reality.”
Angus Macfarlane, Chief Executive for hub North Scotland Ltd, added: “We are delighted to be involved in such a significant project which will undoubtedly enhance the lives of not only pupils but the local community as a whole.”
See the full planning application at -
http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/appli...=MODWLTIH7R000
Date &time: 17th June 2013
Venue: Wick High School
Contracttitle: Wick High School
ContractNo: 3511443A/NMW
Purpose: Wick StakeholderGroup
Attendees: Ron Mackenzie The Highland Council Bill Fernie Elected member Mike Felton Hub North Scotland Lilian Wark Pulteneytown Academy Ewen Pearson Hillhead Primary School Parent Council Pat Bowers South Primary School Gordon Murray GMA Ryder Architects Tom McIntyre Wick High School Sheona Henderson Wick High School Catherine Patterson Tannach & District Community Council Graeme Ross Highlife Highland Gail Ross (Chair) The Highland Council Sindy Rudhall Pulteneytown Academy & Wick High
School Parent CouncilsRuan Peat Highlife Highland Brenda Jones Parsons Brinckerhoff Linda Shearer Hub North Scotland Eric Baijal South Primary Parent Council Elena Koponen-Baikie Wick High School / Pulteneytown Academy Heather Sharkey Miller Construction Allan Farquhar Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council John Wiley Library Stakeholder Group Iain Maciver North Primary School Apologies Alison Forrest Highlife Highland (Libraries) Garry Macleod
Willie MackayHighlife Highland (Active Schools
Co-ordinator)
Elected memberKen Allan The Highland Council Carole Begg Hillhead Primary School Matt Haggerty GMA Ryder Architects Philip Shannon The Highland Council
Item 1 Introductions Everyone introduced themselves. 2 Progress update 2.1 Update on Joint Campus design GM advised that the planning application has been submitted. GM went over the site plan and landscape plan. The Architects are working on the Listed Building Consent application. GM showed the floor plans and elevations. The detailed design of the elevations and interior is progressing.
PB advised that the Safe Routes to School group is keen to emphasize that pupils should use the entrance that is closest to their home.
EB asked about the roof structure for the teaching wings. GM advised that the design is still being refined, but the roof structure will be designed to allow daylight into the centre of the teaching wings and natural ventilation.
GM advised that the design of the interiors is being progressed. The general configuration of the building will remain as it is.
LW asked whether there would be another opportunity to review the Room Data Sheets. BJ advised that the schools will be able to review the room layouts. EB expressed concern that the Head Teachers had not seen final versions of the Room Data Sheets. Ken Allan to contact LW to discuss.
BF asked how rainwater would be shed from the centre of the roofs. GM and MF advised that this is being looked at, with a view to designing out risks of water penetration.
GM advised that the design team is now looking at the detail of the interiors.
BF asked about rainwater run-off from the surface. BJ advised that the development will not increase the rate of flow of rainwater into the drainage system. There will be permeable paving to the car park spaces and an attenuation tank to reduce the flow. A flood risk analysis has also been done.
BJ advised that the project does not include for grey water recycling as this is expensive in both capital and maintenance costs. Water butts will be provided for gardening use as a teaching aid.2.2 Next steps and key milestones for the Joint campus
MF gave an update on key dates. 80% of the works will be tendered competitively. Hubco is progressing the selection of a Facilities Management contractor in consultation with the Council.
Another key activity is to appoint a funder, who will provide finance for the proportion of the project being financed by the Scottish Government on a revenue funding basis.An enabling works phase is planned to start in October; this will allow the main works to start in January 2014.
TM asked for clarification of the completion date (summer 2014). MF advised that the detail of this is still being developed. TM advised that moving in July/August will be quite disruptive to teaching. RM advised that the Council will set up a Transition Group to manage the move process and develop a detailed plan.
RP advised that the library and pool are heavily used in the summer. RM advised that Highlife Highland Will be involved in the Transition Group.
LW asked about temporary play facilities during the demolition of the Pulteneytown Academy Primary School. BJ advised that a phasing plan will be developed in more detail by Miller Construction.
AF asked which software programme Hubco uses. MF advised that the software produces a Gantt chart
RM advised that the overall capital cost of the Wick Schools project is approximately £53m.
AM asked how long people had to make representations about the planning application.
POST MEETING NOTE: The planning application will be advertised in the local press week commencing 24th June. People will then have 21 days to make representations to the Planning Dept.3 Update on engagement with local contractors
HS advised that Miller Construction is now in the process of dividing up the project into work packages (e.g. roofing, mechanical & electrical). Some of these packages have design elements.
MC has collected details of the local companies who attended the Meet the Buyer day and entered these onto its database.
The majority of the work packages are likely to be let to companies who are already on Miller’s supply chain. The role for local companies is likely to be in working for these companies. Millers will pass on details of interested local companies to these sub-contractors.4 Communication matters
RM presented a draft communication matrix. The Council proposes to issue a newsletter every two months to capture updates from the whole project. This will include issues raised at Parent Council meetings, the Project Board and stakeholder meetings.
The Council will put information on its website to show the detailed design as it develops, in particular where there is any change to the design. The Council website will hold all the project newsletters.
Weblink to project site is on the Highland Council website:
http://www.highland.gov.uk/learningh...ck+Project.htm
RM advised that hard copies of the newsletter will be available in public places.
HS advised that Miller Construction will issue monthly newsletters during the construction period. These will be available on the Council website.
The project programme will be on the Council website once it has been finalised.
There was a request for the Wick project site be made more prominent on the Council website. There will also be a link project site on the High School website.
There was a discussion as to whether the press should be invited to this meeting. RM advised that project newsletters will be issued to the press; press releases will be issued at key milestones. The HS Rector will also give updates in his monthly article in the John O’Groat.5 Naming process for the new schools
RM outlined the proposed process (copy attached to minutes). He asked for suggestions as to how the short list of names should be selected. LW, TM and PB recommended that pupils be given a strong voice in the process.
It was agreed that anyone within the community could make suggestions. Each school would take responsibility for drawing up a short list and selecting the preferred name. The Area Committee would be responsible for final approval of the name.
The Head Teachers agreed to prepare a paper setting out the details of the process.
HS suggested that pupils studying graphic communication could be involved in the design of logos for the new school names. Also, consideration to be given to High School pupils mentoring primary school pupils in the selection process. TM to review.6 Disposal strategy for buildings to be vacated
RM presented a schedule showing pre-disposal actions. Title checks have been done for four out of the five properties. Schedule to be published on website and updated regularly. RM advised that marketing of these buildings will begin shortly.7 North of the river Primary School
BJ gave an update on feedback from the pre-planning application process. Generally people were happy with the proposals for the school but had concerns about traffic routes. These will be addressed through the Safe Routes to School group and in consultation with the Council’s Roads team.7 Any other business 7.1 Construction progress BF asked whether the site hoarding would accommodate viewing panels so people could see progress. HS advised that Miller often put in viewing panels in the hoarding so that people can see in. Miller will look at the layout of the site and evaluate how this can best be accommodated. A webcam can also be considered.
HS advised that Miller will do safety talks in the adjoining schools to inform pupils about site safety and the importance of not going into the site.
PB advised that a webcam from an existing building would be a good idea. HS to discuss with TM closer to the site start date.7.2 Project budget
AF asked for an update on the project budget and use of risk contingency. To be provided at next meeting.7.3 Public feedback from the Joint Campus pre-application Elena asked whether there had been any concerns raised at the Joint Campus pre-application public consultation meeting. GM advised that the feedback was generally very positive. 9 Date of next meeting Monday 16th September, 7pm
Planning permisson welcomed.......
http://community.caithness.org/article.php?id=4079
It's great to see all this information about the school but what a disappointment to see the pool.
Another unimaginative standard rectangular pool and rectangular toddler pool.
How is that Invergordon has such a lovely, imaginative curved pool with water features and a flume, and we are getting a repeat of the boring design of pools that already exist in Wick and Thurso?
Hasn't it occurred to anyone involved in the design that you can still do lengths in curved pools like the one in Invergordon?
Any water features in this one?
A flume?
Any points of interest? :~(
Missed opportunity?
Wick schools project update - 17 September 2013
The Wick Schools Stakeholders Group has been advised that the new £39 million Community Campus building will be handed over to The Highland Council in February 2016, with the campus opening from Easter 2016. The planned handover date had been summer 2015.
However, the new £14 million new Primary School north of the river remains on course to be handed over to the Council in June 2015. The new school will open in August 2015 as originally planned.
The revised date for the new secondary school was agreed with representatives with Hub North Scotland Limited and Miller Construction UK in Inverness late last week. The revised handover date will ensure that high quality facilities will be delivered.
The reasons for the programme slipping behind schedule were explained to the Group and were attributable to the following factors:
· Achieving a design that meets the authority's requirements in relation to natural ventilation and lighting which will result in the optimal learning and teaching environment within a very challenging project budget - planning approval was granted in mid- August which represented significant progress. Detailed design work is on-going, particularly in relation to the roof area;
· A complicated contract structure which involves significant legal and financial specialist input and which relies heavily on external funders. There will be significant due diligence carried out by the funder's advisers in advance of contract closure. There have also been extensive discussions with specialist advisers and the Scottish Futures Trust to arrive at a contract configuration that meets all relevant accounting and legal requirements;
· Ensuring that during the tendering of over 60 work packages local suppliers will be provided with every opportunity to bid for work across the community campus and north of the river projects. Local Members have consistently emphasised the importance of local contractors being provided with every opportunity to bid for work packages.
The Council, having considered all factors, decided that a handover date in February 2016 represents the best outcome for the school communities.
Councillor Gail Ross, the Chair of the Stakeholders Group, said: "It's well known that big build projects like this often encounter delays for one reason or another but that doesn't make this any less disappointing. It's worth pointing out that an Easter 2016 opening does give more leeway for teachers to get the classrooms ready and leaves the final term for more fun integration for the kids, instead of having to focus entirely on the curriculum.
I am satisfied that this new entry date will not cause interruption to the children's learning- that's what we need to focus on. We need to make sure we deliver a top quality school, not a rushed job with potential cut corners. The council will continue to work closely with Hub North and Miller Construction to ensure there are no further delays and that we deliver the building that our community expects."
Angus Macfarlane, Chief Executive of Hub North Scotland said: " A number of factors have combined to bring the revised schedule, however, hub North Scotland believes the schedule is now realistic and achievable and we look forward to delivering this much-needed Community Campus to the Wick area through our continued close partnership with The Highland Council."
I reckon summer 2016 .........and there's not even a spade in the ground yet.....
Three Irish firms got together and quoted for 6 schools in Outer Hebrides - they won contract and completed by dates, some earlier I understand.
There have been a few teething problems - understand mainly with windows and roofs leaking.
Went up as quick as a tescos building but will wait to see if it stands the test of time - observed pouring concrete foundations (clearly visible from Council offices next door) when it was the hardest frosts and ice for many years!
Only two people took the trouble of commenting on the plans submitted for planning.
From the Adult and Children Services Committee - 13 November 2013
Wick High School and Primary Schools
The revised programme to construct the building to replace the existing Wick
High School, Pulteneytown Academy Primary School, South Primary School,
Wick Carnegie Public Library and Wick Swimming Pool, which will be known as
the Wick Community Campus, has been formally agreed with Hub North
Scotland Limited (HNSL) and Miller Construction UK (MCUK).
The key milestone dates are as follows:
• Stage 2 submission – 10/01/14
• Financial close and contract agreement - 07/02/14
• Construction start on site – 31/03/14
• Practical completion – 29/01/16
• Handover period – February to April 2016
• Completion of external works – August 2016
The construction work packages are currently being tendered in accordance with
the requirements of the Territory Partner Agreement (TPA) which includes a
significant proportion of the contracts being made available to local contractors.
The replacement school for Hillhead Primary School and North Primary School
remains on programme to open in August 2015. The Stage 1 submission has
been received and the Council’s project team and specialist advisers are
considering the detail. It is proposed that, subject to the Stage 1 submission
being within the Affordability Cap approved at the New Project Request stage
(when adjusted for indexation), approval to allow the project to progress to Stage
2 is delegated to the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport and Finance and
the Interim Director of Housing and Property Services. This approach will ensure
that there are no delays to the programme as a result of waiting for the
appropriate Committee approval for the Stage 1 submission. The evaluation of
the Stage 1 submission should be completed by mid-November 2013. The key
programme dates are as follows:
• Enabling works commence – 20/01/14
• Contract award - 17/03/14
• Construction starts – 14/04/14
• School handover – 12/06/15
• Completion of all external works – 26/02/16
Planning go ahead for new Wick North Primary School
http://www.caithness-business.co.uk/article.php?id=4639