Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources for the demolition of the vacant Oaklands School and associated buildings (excluding the swimming pool) to mitigate ongoing management costs.

(i)  To approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, capital expenditure of £480,000 in 2013/14 for the Oaklands School demolition, to be funded by Direct Revenue Financing

(ii)  That the Head of Property and Procurement is granted Delegated Powers to vary the scope and programme of the work following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources within the overall budget parameters of the scheme.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Financial Officer, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, to approve additional expenditure of £100,000 for the demolition and associated costs, bringing the total scheme up to a maximum of £580,000, to be funded by Direct Revenue Financing.

The Council’s approved Capital Programme for 2012/13 to 2015/16, includes a budget for the demolition of vacant surplus buildings at the site of the former Oaklands Oasis school (excluding the swimming pool).  Cabinet authority is required for approval to spend this budget in 2013/14.  Demolition of all redundant buildings at the site plus enhanced perimeter site security is a cost effective alternative to retention of the buildings over an assumed five year void period.  Whilst the actual costs of demolition are similar to the anticipated outgoings in retaining the buildings over a five year period, the costs of demolition will enhance the development value of the site, meaning the sooner the buildings are demolished, the greater the benefit to the Council.  Demolition proposals exclude the Oaklands Pool.

Retention of all buildings would not be cost effective over the assumed five year void period as the security costs and empty rates liability would be similar to initial outlay on demolition, and demolition will have the added benefit of enhancing the capital receipt on eventual disposal.