Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Jones introduced the report which outlined two proposed projects for phase 2 of the Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme 2022-2025 and the potential building locations that have been identified.  The projects within the programme had been selected using Childcare Sufficiency Assessments, and Welsh Government funding criteria.

The projects, if approved, would deliver new Childcare facilities, and increase childcare provision across Flintshire in various locations.  The focus was on early years, however, the buildings could be used for childcare wrap-around, after school and holiday provision.

The first project was Cornist Park Flint and, subject to Cabinet approval, the

Flintshire Childcare and Early Years Capital Team would like to progress this project onto the next stage of a ‘design and build’ request to Welsh Government (WG).  The second project was at Ysgol Terrig/Ysgol Parc Y Llan, Treuddyn.  Feasibility options had been identified for this site and further work was required with partners to finalise the preferred scheme before seeking approval to proceed with a ‘design and build’ request to WG .

            The Chief Officer (Social Services) reported that phase 1 of the Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme ran between 2019-2022 and saw the delivery of nine new modular buildings and the refurbishment of an existing building.  Phase 1 projects were completed within the allocated budget and a list of sites were outlined within the report.  

The feasibility studies have been completed and informed options for both sites, with option 2 being the preferred option for the site at Flint.  Further work was required with partners for the Treuddyn site to ensure that the most appropriate option was identified to balance a range of needs and factors relating to the site.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Cabinet approve a submission to the Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme 2022-2025 for the Cornist Park Flint, scheme to proceed from the ‘starting a project’ stage and to request agreement to the ‘design and build’ phase of the programme from Welsh Government;

(b)       That Cabinet approves a Direct Award process to appoint an experienced contractor to meet the WG deadline of 31 March 2025. The award will be through the existing Pagoba framework; and

(c)        That Cabinet notes the identification of the Ysgol Terrig/Ysgol Parc Y Llan, Treuddyn as a potential second project, subject to further work with partners.  If options are viable within the timescales prescribed by Welsh Government approval will be sought from Cabinet to proceed based on the timelines, costings and partnership agreement.