Bridgend Council has published further in-year changes to its capital spending programme (pdf).
Capital funding is one-off spending on new infrastructure or facilities. BCBC’s capital programme for the 2024-25 financial year currently stands at £66.1million.
“No affordable tender” for the Grand Pavilion project
Two major non-school related projects that are expected to face delays are the Bridgend town centre district heat scheme and the refurbishment of Porthcawl Grand Pavilion.
The district heat scheme has been formally shunted into the 2025-26 financial year at the earliest.
The update given on the Grand Pavilion renovation was a bit more concerning. The report says BCBC failed to find an “affordable tender” for the initial main works. “Value engineering” has since taken place for a new tender, which is/was set to go out this month.
School project costs increase by almost 50%
There are similar issues facing several proposed school projects in Bridgend.
The new estimated costs of the new Ysgol Bro Ogwr (£17.8million), replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary (£17.5million, pictured), Coety Primary extension (£2million) and new Heronsbridge Special School (£60million) are a combined 49.4% higher than the original figures. In cash terms, it’s the equivalent of £31.6million.
The Welsh Government has approved the new cost estimates, meaning BCBC can prepare full business cases.
The Coety Primary project is less complicated as it needs “only” an extra £330,000.
Additional funding has also been included for a recycling fleet replacement (£8million) and to fund Labour’s 2022 local election manifesto commitment to invest £1million-a-year on playground refurbishments.
