Release Date: 28/05/2008
The Council’s Cabinet will consider a report next week outlining progress on the redevelopment of Teddington School.
The report identifies that the earliest start date for construction is now August due to difficulties in ensuring that the projected cost of the project remains within the resources available to the Council.
Cllr Stephen Knight, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources said:
“We are committed to ensuring that Teddington School is redeveloped to the highest and most sustainable standard possible. However given the demand on our limited resources, this must be achieved within an affordable price that represents value for money to our local Council Tax payers.
“From the outset the Government has failed to provide sufficient funding for this project and, therefore, we have already had to commit significant amounts of council funds to make the project happen.
“We are now in the early stage of detailed tendering for construction works. Initial indications are that market conditions are pushing up prices higher than originally anticipated. We are therefore working with the School, designers and builders to mitigate these effects as best we can. This process unfortunately means that a further delay in the start date is unavoidable.
“A newsletter updating local residents has been circulated this week and further information will be provided as the project develops.”
Jack Stephen, Chair of Governors at Teddington School said
“Whilst this delay is disappointing, we are working closely with the Council to ensure the new school is delivered and provides excellent educational facilities for our young people. We know this is public money and if a few months delay means we get the best possible deal for local people then ultimately that is a good thing.”