An officer key decision was made to award a contract for decarbonisation works at Brampton Primary School. The decision, taken by Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing, approved the award of a contract to Maybrick Property Maintenance Limited for the replacement of the school's heating system with a more sustainable air source heat pump solution.

Contract Award Report - Brampton Primary School Phase 1 Decarbonisation Works

The Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing, Paul Kitson, approved the award of a contract to Maybrick Property Maintenance Limited for decarbonisation works at Brampton Primary School¹. The decision, made on 6 July 2026, follows a key decision taken on 30 June 2026. The project involves replacing the school's ageing heating system with a new, energy-efficient system incorporating air source heat pump technology. This initiative aligns with the Council's wider sustainability strategy and carbon reduction objectives.

The total cost of the project is £757,669.20, which includes a contingency of £30,000. Additional internal fees of £118,000 are also anticipated, bringing the total estimated expenditure to £906,000. Funding for the works will be partially sourced from the Department for Education's Capital Maintenance Programme and Salix funding, with additional match funding secured from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through the Phase 4 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The report considered several alternative options, including doing nothing, replacing the system with a like-for-like gas-based system, or undertaking a partial upgrade. These options were rejected as they would not meet the Council's carbon reduction targets, improve energy efficiency, or provide a future-proof solution. Other low-carbon technologies, such as ground source heat pumps, were also considered but deemed less suitable due to site constraints and higher upfront costs. The air source heat pump solution was identified as the most viable and cost-effective option for the site.

Consultation was undertaken with the School Leadership Team at Brampton Primary School, who were supportive of the proposed works. The Strategic Procurement Unit provided advice on the procurement strategy, and the Climate/Energy Team was consulted to ensure alignment with the Council's climate strategy.

The decision to award the contract is considered a key decision with an estimated total value over £500,000 and up to £1 million, and it has been delegated to the officer to take. The procurement process complied with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders, and the value of the contract is below the threshold for the full regime of the Procurement Act 2023. The works are scheduled to begin in July 2026 and conclude by the end of 2026.