PLANS for a swimming pool in the new Monmouth Comprehensive School building may be dropped due to a reported funding shortfall of almost £12 million.

A recent report has highlighted the need for extra funding to complete the current ‘Future Schools’ project. The report, which will be discussed at the county council meeting on Thursday (20th October), claims the original designs were undervalued by the contractor, and highlights an addition of £11.9 million ‘abnormal’ costs during construction.

According to a Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) spokesperson, abnormalities at the Monmouth School site included flood risk mitigation, temporary accommodation required during construction, stabilisation of existing ground, and discovery of levels of asbestos.

It is thought that without the extra funding, Monmouth Comprehensive School would require a full re-design, including an increased level of refurbishment of existing buildings, adding around 12 months on to the current building programme.

If the additional funding is approved on Thursday by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), the Welsh Government will provide 50 per cent, leaving MCC to fund £5.95 million.

The report cites a proposed increase in budget for Caldicot School from £34.9 million to £40.175 million, and Monmouth School from £41.049 million to £47.674 million.

The figure of the additional £11.9 million needed was reached after a cost-saving exercise in which the design of the schools were reviewed. This resulted in a change in design of Monmouth School to include a sports hall instead of a swimming pool in the new Phoenix Building.

The report now proposes the swimming pool be sited within Monmouth Leisure Centre, with further plans to be made at some time in the new year.

As a consequence, any new pool will require further investment from council resources, as funding from the future schools programme will no longer be available for the revised leisure proposal. Savings were made at Caldicot School by re-tendering sections including the steel frame, and ‘de-scoping’ the external works.

The report proposes giving Cabinet Member for Resources Phil Murphy the authority to determine the best way of funding the council’s £5.95 million contribution. Options outlined in the report include the release of additional council-owned assets and borrowing the amount. A loan is proposed to be repaid with annualised contributions from Caldicot and Monmouth School budgets. It is believed the significant energy efficiency improvements and elimination of the need for building maintenance in the new school builds will allow for these contributions.

Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for schools and learning said: “There is a funding gap to fill but we have the wherewithal to achieve this and some time to play with. The Welsh Government has recognised the robust approach we have taken to managing this programme and is funding 50 per cent of the gap.

“I expect this confidence to be matched by the council. With over 85 per cent of contract value awarded to firms within 40 miles and 70 per cent of the workforce living in Wales, this is a very significant economic programme for South East Wales and an important vote of confidence in the local

economy.”