Gleeds appointed to headtechnical advisory team on new MIM Schools Programme in Wales

Gleeds appointed to head technical advisory team on new MIM Schools Programme in Wales

Cardiff based property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, is to lead a team comprising specialist engineers Cundall, and design practice Scott Brownrigg, as technical advisors forMIM projects in the second wave of investment in the 21^st Century Schools build initiative. Gleeds was appointed by the Welsh Government following an open and competitive procurement process.

Known as‘Band B’, the programme covers all state schools and colleges across Wales and willseethe provision of new buildings and institutions in need of refurbishmentmodernised from April 2019. The works will be funded by capital and a new form of Public Private Partnership called the Mutual Investment Model (MIM), designed to finance major educational projects in Wales.

The consortium is toprovide technical advisory services in two phases for MIM projects, with phase one predominantly focused on supporting the Government as it defines and developsthe programme’s remit. Phase two will then comprise the roll-out and delivery of schemes across the country, including the production of standard documentationsuch as specifications, bid documents, and business case support materials for tranches of projects.

Simon Williams, Director of Gleeds in Wales, said of the appointment: “The 21^st Century Schools and Education planis part of a long-term, strategic objective to create better learning environments for students, as well as generatingmore local apprenticeships countrywide. Essentially it seeks to provide a more skilled workforce that will in turn support regionaleconomies and I am delighted to be leading this talented team as we get the second wave of projects underway”.

The Programme will support the national objective for provision of a suitable and effective educational estate that matches Welsh Government’s mission to raise educational standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence in Wales. It also seeks to address local needs, such as managing surplus capacity and providing places in faith based and Welsh speaking school education units.Projects funded under Band Aare set to conclude in April 2019, thanks to a £1.4 billion spend over the precedingfive years.

Jon James, Director at Scott Brownrigg, said: “Scott Brownrigg is delighted to be part of the Gleeds team, supporting the Welsh Assembly on these vital Education projects for Wales.  This is a unique opportunity in ensuring the enhancement and continual improvement of the Education estate in Wales.”

Adrian Roche, Partner at Cundall, also added: “Cundall is delighted to be a part of this exciting schools delivery programme. The quality of our schools has a huge impact on the outcomes of the pupils. We very much welcome this opportunity for the team to help create sustainable and stimulating places in which to learn and develop.”