ESC exploring other options to construct post-16 campus
NEW options for completing construction of the post-16 campus at Les Ozouets are immediately being investigated in the wake of the collapse of the States’ contract with RG Falla.
Director of education Nick Hynes said it was frustrating and disappointing that negotiations with RG Falla had broken down this late in the day.
‘Our teams are already exploring other options for the progression of the work on the post-16 campus,’ he said.
‘We have no doubt our staff and the wider community will have questions about what this might mean for the previously-announced plans. I want to reassure them that at this stage we are confident of being able to adjust the plans to ensure we maintain many elements of the reorganisation of secondary and post-16 education within the existing timeline.
‘It is likely there will be a delay to the build of the post-16 campus so students and staff who hoped to be on that site in 2025 will likely be affected, but all other changes as we reorganise into three 11-16 schools will continue to progress as planned.’
Education, Sport & Culture president Andrea Dudley-Owen said her committee was not disheartened by this setback.
‘We know that this model remains the right fit for Guernsey and builds a firm foundation for the island’s future success,’ she said.
‘Any attempt by political opponents of our model to seize on this as an opportunity for point-scoring would be hugely detrimental to our young people, adult learners and our workforce after all the uncertainty and turbulence of recent years.
‘We remain absolutely confident that our new post-16 campus will both be a centre of excellence for higher and further education, and deliver value for money. Work was supposed to begin on-site imminently – however, the risk associated with entering into a multi-million-pound contract with a company that is reneging on key commercial terms represents too great a risk for the States. We have engaged with the States procurement and capital portfolio teams and with the Policy & Resources Committee, and the view on this was unanimous.
‘We look forward to being able to announce a new partner to drive forward the build of Guernsey’s post-16 campus.'
