Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, approved urgent condition works at Fortismere School and authorised the issuance of a letter of intent for a portion of the contract value. The meeting, which was held on Wednesday 12 June 2024, also noted information regarding filming at meetings.

Fortismere School Urgent Condition Works Phase 2

Councillor Zena Brabazon approved the award of a contract to Contractor B for urgent condition works at Fortismere School at a tender price of £1,367,012. She also approved the issuance of a Letter of Intent for £136,701, representing 10% of the contract sum. These decisions were made under contract standing orders relating to urgent decisions and the award of contracts valued at £500,000 or more.

The need for these works was identified in a feasibility study completed in February 2022, which recommended improvements to the school's building services and fabric to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain the resilience of mechanical and electrical systems. The works have been split into two phases to minimise disruption. Phase 1 addressed structural defects and fire precaution issues in Block H. Phase 2, which has now been approved, will tackle wider issues across the school, including fire compartmentalisation, replacement fire doors, extending the heating system to Block E, concrete repairs, renewal of electrical mains power distribution, and water tank replacement.

The alternative of doing nothing was rejected due to the serious health and safety issues that would remain unaddressed, potentially leading to liability for Haringey Council under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999¹ and placing students, staff, and visitors at unnecessary risk. While contractors on the LCP Major Framework were considered, it was determined that a more competitive offer would be obtained through a procurement via the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).² The option of carrying out the works in-house was also discounted due to a lack of available resources, specialist expertise, and qualifications within the Council.

The total projected cost for this project, including works up to May 2024, forecast construction costs for 2024/25 and 2025/26, and associated on-costs, is £2,079,118.