EXPLORE OFFSITE EDUCATION
LEARNING THE OFFSITE WAY
Although originally due to run between 2015 and 2021, the PSBP scheme was pushed back several times. However, delivery body the EFA has now issued an invitation to tender for a batch of schools in the East Midlands – worth around £80 million to the contractors on its framework. The EFA has also exclusively revealed that they have given local authorities and multiple academy trusts the go-ahead to procure more than 70 school projects directly under the programme. Moving away from the framework in the first phase of the programme it will pilot a local delivery model.
1 The Government has confirmed that investment of around £2 billion is to be allocated to rebuild or refurbish 277 schools across England, marking the second phase of the priority school building programme (PSBP). To find out more, come and meet the Education Funding Agency (EFA) at the Explore Offsite Education being held in London on the 18 May. The EFA have announced that they are now seeking contractors for the first schools to be built under the longawaited second phase of the PSBP. The PSBP came after a warning from the Local Government Association (LGA) that the country is approaching a ‘tipping point’ in the shortage of school places for children. With a projected figure of 878,000 extra pupils required, it is clear that there is a vital requirement for schools to be developed at a rapid pace. 62
One of the most frequently cited benefits of offsite construction is the speed of construction that it offers. Dramatic improvements over conventional techniques of construction are demonstrable, with the time required to construct and commission an offsite building being typically reduced by 60% in cases where large elements can be prefabricated.
WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | SPRING 2017
As part of the PSBP, the EFA is also seeking contractors for a pilot £95 million framework to design and build modular primary schools in England, in a move to deliver standardised solutions to suit all newbuild primary school blocks and speed up delivery. The pilot framework is split into two lots. Lot One is worth £45 million and covers larger schemes with one primary contractor and one reserve contractor expected to be appointed. Whilst Lot Two is valued at £50 million and comprises smaller jobs with two primary contractors and one reserve contractor set be named.
THE STRATEGY To explain the strategy behind PSBP and the ‘Modular framework’ the EFA will be partnering on the delivery of Explore Offsite Education, taking place on the 18 May in London. This will provide a prime opportunity to discuss your involvement within the PSBP and to understand the EFA’s strategic approach to offsite technology. For full details on the event, speakers and how to register visit: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk
2 Images: 01. Explore Offsite Education 2015 Audience 02. B&K Structure’s Managing Director, Nick Milestone speaking at Explore Offsite Education 2015