5.14.40 On 4th May 2016, an email received by the City of Edinburgh Council from ESP confirmed the commitment of ESP to complete a fully green solution prior to re-opening of the schools and not to pursue further their proposed amber solution in relation to the Phase 1 schools. It stated:
"Finally, to be clear ESP is now working solely to a fully green solution and it is my understanding that Rudd's (WRD) are meeting with Scott Bennett Engineers today and will clearly define the 'finish line' in that regard (in terms of what assurances, method statements etc. can/will be provided). It is our intention to outline this agreed package when we write to the Chief Executive next week."
(See extract from this letter sent to the Chief Executive on 11th May at paragraph 5.14.56).
5.14.41 In the same email, ESP reported that Galliford Try had already adopted the approach of full remediation, the 'green' solution in relation to the Phase 2 schools and had advised ESP that all work on these schools would be complete by 9th May 2016.
5.14.42 Galliford Try were still required to demonstrate to Scott Bennett, the advisers to the Council, that the work to the Phase 2 schools had been done to their satisfaction and hence the satisfaction of the Council.
5.14.43 In relation to the programme of work for the Phase 1 schools, ESP reported that Amey had now commenced work at each of:
• Broomhouse/St. Josephs;
• Pirniehall/St. David's;
• Forthview Primary;
• Craigour Park Primary; and
• Goodtrees neighbourhood centre.
5.14.44 ESP further reported that it was planned that work would commence at Rowanfield on the next day, 5th May 2016, and at Gracemount High School on or before Monday 9th May. It was noted that work had already been undertaken at these schools by Amey in relation to that element of the remedial work to the wall ties that had been completed prior to the end of the Easter break on 11th April 2016 in expectation of the schools reopening on that date.
5.14.45 The extent and detailed specification of the works to be undertaken on the Phase 1 schools was currently being established as part of their design process by WRD, the structural engineers appointed by ESP. This work was based on the information provided by the surveys as contained in the then recently completed structural reports on the existing schools and the limited information that had been made available to them in relation to the original design.
5.14.46 Amey were reported as being unwilling to commit to the production of a detailed programme for the completion of this work until more information was available to them as to the construction requirements being specified for the remedial work by WRD. They were however proposing to allocate more construction teams than they had originally planned for so that they could work in parallel across the various sites and shorten the time otherwise required to complete all of the work.
5.14.47 To supply the design information to this increased number of teams would require the simultaneous rapid development of design solutions across the 13 projects by WRD. ESP viewed this as placing a very heavy demand on the already fully committed resources of WRD.
5.14.48 To counter any potential delay that might arise from design information not being ready, ESP appointed Goodson Associates to undertake the design element for those of the Phase 1 schools for which they had undertaken the structural surveys and reports. This was done with the full support and involvement of WRD. This was treated by all parties as a totally discrete service from that Goodson Associates were providing for Galliford Try on the Phase 2 schools.