The Single Cabinet Member Decisions - Climate Change and Economic Growth met on Friday 12 September 2025, and approved a recommendation to grant the Head of Property and Regeneration delegated authority to procure a contractor for the design and construction of a new teaching block at Ysgol Maes Y Coed, Bryncoch. They also agreed to grant the Head of Property and Regeneration (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth) delegated authority to award and enter into a contract to the highest scoring tenderer, and to progress the required business case submissions to secure Welsh Government funding towards the project.

Procurement of New Teaching Block at Ysgol Maes Y Coed, Bryncoch

Councillor Jeremy Hurley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, approved the recommendations within the Maes Y Coed Report to progress with the procurement of a contractor for a new teaching block at Ysgol Maes Y Coed.

The council intends to use a two-stage design and build procurement exercise via the South West Wales Regional Construction Framework¹. The evaluation of tender submissions will use a balanced assessment model, comprising 50% price and 50% quality.

A report considered by the members stated that:

Following the evaluation, the contract will be awarded to the tenderer achieving the highest overall score, combining both price and quality components.

The Welsh Government has already approved the updated Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) which includes the addition of the new teaching block extension.

According to the report, no viable alternative options have been identified, and the proposed approach aligns with strategic priorities and regulatory requirements.

While Welsh Government funding is anticipated, initial pre-construction costs must be met by the Council and are subject to reimbursement upon approval of the Final Business Case. One identified risk is that the Welsh Government may not approve the Final Business Case for the project, in which case Neath Port Talbot Council may be required to cover the cost of the pre-construction services from its own resources.