10/7/2020

Cardiff Council's Cabinet will be updated on progress made in relation to the Mutual Investment Model (MIM) to support the delivery ofCardiff's Band B 21st Century Schools Programme, when it meets on Thursday 16, July.

MIM is anational scheme that has been developedby Welsh Governmentto borrow funds via the private sector, to design and build schools and to maintain the fabric of the buildings over a 25 year period.

The Council has agreed to a 10 yearStrategic Partnering Agreement (SPA) with a joint venture ofWelsh Government and private sector partner Meridiam Investments II SAS,to deliver future schools, including in principleWillows High School and Cathays High School.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said; "The Council continues to explore different ways to fund and deliver high-quality and modern education and community facilities for the city.MIM is a new way to deliver schools, andif progressed, will present an exciting collaborative way of working which will deliver modern, quality education and community facilities, meeting local needs in Cardiff."

In developing its outline programme for Band B 21st Century Schools, the Council prioritised a list of projects and schemes. Willows and Cathays High Schools were identified as category D condition, meaning they are nearing the end of operational life and both schemes meetWelsh Government's criteria for inclusion as a MIM scheme, as set out below:

• Willows High School could be rebuilt either as an 11-16 8FE school or in conjunction with a new build primary provision.

• Cathays High School is intended to be a rebuild scheme for an 11-18 school expanding from 6FE to 8FE with 6th form.

Cllr Merry added: "Willows High School and Cathays High Schoolwill receive state-of-the art facilities, ensuring that students have access to the best quality learning environment as well as providing excellent recreational facilities which the whole community can benefit from."

For more information about Welsh Government's MIM Strategic Partnering Agreement please go to:https://gov.wales/mutual-investment-model-standard-form-project-agreement-education

A full copy of the report is available to view online atwww.cardiff.gov.uk/meetings.