The major building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
The Design Team is currently in the process of completing the pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of contractors for tender stage. The outcome of the pre-qualification process has been notified to contractors who expressed interest in tendering for this project. Feedback and issues arising from same are currently being dealt with by the Design Team. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate at this point in time for my Department to comment on the composition of the shortlist.
In parallel with the pre-qualification process the Design Team is currently working on a submission to the Department outlining the steps required to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations 2017 (NZEB - "Near Zero Energy Building").
When the pre-qualification process has been completed and the design team's NZEB submission has been considered and any consequential amendments to Stage 2(b) design and tender documents have been implemented this project will then be progressed to tender stage.
A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.
