The full costs and more details of expanding Hollybush Primary School in Bramley have been revealed in recently released council documents – but council chiefs may face an unexpected cost of £250,000.
The school is expanding to cater for increased demand for school places, with the main body of work costing £3,874,100.
But the report says the original contractor was unable to deliver a scheme for the required £4 million budget and has since been replaced by Leeds LEP working alongside Interserve, the company which built Leeds West Academy.
The council says a final settlement figure with the original contractor has yet to be agreed, but the company is seeking a £250,000 settlement. The figure is being disputed by the local authority.
The report adds the costs would have to be met from the project’s contingency budget but acknowledges the issue provides an additional financial risk to the project.
As previously reported, Hollybush Primary School is increasing from a two-form entry with 420 pupils to a three-form entry with 630 pupils.
Work includes a new two-storey building providing six classrooms, a new hall, community room, group room and break-out space as well as a small work room/kitchen for staff.
There will also be a minor amount of refurbishment to the existing school building a new facility for two year olds.
Work is due to start on December 12 and be completed by 4 September 2017.
The overall budget was set at £4 million by the council’s decision-making executive board in November 2014, and £125,900 was spent in the summer to allow for temporary accommodation at the school.
A ‘show and tell’ consultation over the plans was held at the Broad Lane school last month.