URL: https://northumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=390

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To request Cabinet’s approval of the Outline Business Case (OBC) to provide new school buildings for Berwick Academy. An outline capital allocation for investment in Education has already been made within the Council’s medium term capital programme. The Outline Business Case seeks to confirm the estimate of capital required for the proposed scheme.

Content: RESOLVED that:-   (a)      Cabinet note the revised allocation of £64.066 million capital funding (an increase of £5.272m, funding for which is subject to Full Council approval) to amend the Council’s medium term financial plan 2025-2028 to deliver the scheme to provide new school buildings for Berwick Academy.?The scheme is planned to be completed by Summer 2028.  The total project cost is £64 million, with £50.91 million for Berwick Academy buildings, this compares to the £50m the Council has invested in the two schools that form part of the super school in Seaton Valley that opened this September; (b)      Cabinet approve the Outline Business Case and the commencement of procurement using a Design and Build Procurement strategy utilising a two-stage tender using a preferred framework that contains tier one construction contractors with experience of delivering education projects. The programme would see procurement commencing in October 2025 and the new school being operational by September 2028; and (c)      Cabinet note that the Final Business Case is to be approved by Cabinet prior to the award of contract to the preferred contractor in Spring Term 2026, with construction commencing in Summer 2026, subject to Council approval of any additional funding.

Date of Decision: September 30, 2025