Earlier this week we revealed the cost of extending Beaconside Primary School in Penrith has doubled with the main construction work at Beaconside originally expected to cost just over £1 million after the council awarded a design and build contract in April 2024, for a total sum of £1,081,857.20.
That figure has now risen to £2,505,681.95 million plus vat, with the overall project cost spiralling already beyond £3.1 million once design, surveys and other associated costs are included.
The council had said the increase in the contract costs follows detailed design work and updated construction prices, with officers saying early estimates no longer reflected the true scope or current market conditions of the existing school buildings.
Westmorland and Furness Council has now told Penrith.Town News the project is proceeding as planned with all funding from contributions from developers ring-fenced for investment in education facilities in Penrith.
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "Given the ambition for the school to increase its capacity, the design was developed and agreed by the school and the council in early 2025 on the basis that what was proposed met the initial specification and would provide appropriate accommodation to meet the need of the anticipated increased number of pupils.
"Whilst the overall outcomes of the contract have not altered significantly the council's understanding of the school building and what was needed has changed throughout design development with additional works required to enable the project to proceed, provide appropriate accommodation and meet current building standards for a modern school environment.
"Following detailed surveys as part of the scheme development, additional elements were identified within the school's existing building, including the need for investment in the fire alarm system. Working with the contractor the council has refined the scheme, recognising that delivering outcomes for the school and the children it serves is of primary importance.
"The total project capital budget requirement is now £3.137m, inclusive of design work, preliminary surveys, furniture, professional services contracts, internal project management resource and an appropriate risk allowance which is considered proportionate at this stage of the project. This may reduce as the project progresses.
"Also included was £0.220m for a small package of advance works completed during the summer holiday period to take advantage of the school being empty. The contractor's cost plan/proposal for the design has been independently reviewed under a separate contract for professional services which has confirmed that the costs are in line with market rates and as such represents value for money.
"In a nutshell, the scheme design and required works has increased in line with ensuring we invest in our children's education facilities to match our ambition for each child in Westmorland and Furness. The initial figure was indicative, and we are satisfied that what is proposed is proportionate to the level of ambition and has been independently assessed as value for money.
"We can also confirm that all funding has been provided through developers associated with contributions from planning consents for housing and ring fenced for investment in education facilities in Penrith. The project is proceeding as previously stated."
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