ISSUE 29 - 01 OCTOBER 2007

NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG

( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )


BLOG ESTATES SPECIAL - WHERE ARE WE?
On 12th July two tenders were submitted for the redevelopment of the College estate. The original short list of four had reduced due to contractors being awarded other work and so unable to tender for our estate. At this stage both tenders were deemed to be non compliant as they had not followed the specification/conditions in the tender documents issued by the College. This meant that the tender evaluation committee chaired by Jim Scott (Board member) were not in a position to complete the tender evaluation process to properly compare both tenders against a number of set criteria. At this point (during July and early August) tender interviews, as well as technical review meetings, were held with both tenderers with comprehensive lists of non-compliances issued to both companies for comment and clarification. After these meetings and final meetings with both contractors on 20th August, chaired by the Depute Principal and attended by both contractors and the professional team of consultants, it was concluded that both tenders were now compliant. At this stage both tenders were in excess of the funding package identified and agreed with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). Immediately following the 20th August meetings, a strategy was agreed that involved discussions with the preferred contractor (lowest tender) that was specifically orientated around looking at instigating a realistic acceptable value engineering exercise whilst ensuring retention of the functionality and aesthetic outlook of the building. In other words we looked at where we might save money WITHOUT altering the space, specification or amenity of the building. This is not uncommon in the construction industry today and considerable savings were agreed. While this exercise was completed the full tender evaluation committee met and completed the scoring matrix. The recommendation of the appointment of the successful contractor was subsequently approved by the Board Property and Estates Committee.
At the SFC Capital Investment Committee (CIC) meeting on 13th September the Full Business Case was APPROVED by the Committee for full funding with the addition of added funding on the previously agreed figure. It should be noted that the original project start date was June 2007, this is now a January 2008 project. A considerable sum of money was therefore added to the project due to construction inflation. The exact final cost plan actually reflects a REDUCTION from the original cost analysis. The CIC decision was confirmed at a Scottish Funding Council meeting on 21st September. Formal notification of this decision is expected by Monday 1st October 2007. The Depute Principal/ Assistant Principal (Finance and HR) attended an implementation meeting in Edinburgh to discuss financial matters with the Director of Capital Projects

IMMEDIATE ISSUES
The main areas of work, at this point in time, to ensure a January site start are final planning approval, the final confirmation of the detailed specification for the new build and the completion of the legal contract with the successful contractor. We are confident that these issues can be resolved to allow us on site in January.

WHAT CAN I DO ?
In the early stages of design the College consulted widely on the exact new estate requirement and all Heads, in partnership with SLs/Lecturers, gave considerable and appreciated input to the design of the new build. This resulted in the production of individual room specifications which were agreed and signed off by Heads/Managers within the College. This level of exactitude is time consuming but it has allowed the College to be confident that it is about to embark on a project that delineates what staff want, not a space/specification factor that is/will be imposed on them. Although space and specification have been agreed there are still areas where staff can contribute. Do you have particular thoughts about the usage of the building which might mean some resource issues being faced at this time? Have you visited other Colleges or buildings where you saw something that you felt would be ideal for our new college? Do you have thoughts in terms of the interior design? Would you like to influence the hard/soft landscaping design? All thoughts, no matter how general or specific, would be welcome. Please contact Robert Paterson in person, by email or telephone/voicemail.

WHAT WILL THE NEW LANGSIDE COLLEGE LOOK LIKE?
I have commissioned a number of pictorial views of the new build so that all staff can gain a clear insight to the position, style and amenity of the new build. I plan to arrange a number of viewings week commencing 8th October. Watch the next Blog for details.

Robert W Paterson
Depute Principal/Project Sponsor