Issue - meetings

Ms Hudd, the Head of Regeneration and Economic Development introduced her report on the Cobtree Manor Park – Car Park Improvement update. 

The Committee were reminded that plans for the car park improvement works had originally been agreed in July 2017 and following a procurement exercise the Committee agreed in January 2018 to the appointment of a main contractor to undertake the car park improvement works and for the appointment of a Project Manager to oversee the works.

Ms Hudd advised that an independent Project Manager, Mr Nick Baster, from Logic PM was appointed to help bring the project forward.  However, on reviewing the tender documents he highlighted that there was potential shortcomings with the design information that, if the scheme had progressed on the tendered basis, this could have led to the car park continuing to experience the issues that currently occur, such as being very wet in the winter months and very dry in the summer months.

It was noted that the required surveys had not been undertaken at the outset and these had now been commissioned via the project management consultant.  The results suggested that new drainage and surface formation needed to be considered.  This information was put to the successful contractor who advised that these additional works would necessitate additional materials and time which could potentially double the value of the contract.

In considering the report, the Committee requested that a report be brought back following the tendering process.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Baster advised:-

·  That there had been shortcomings in the original design, principally no information on the weight bearing of the road and the general terrain of the car park.

·  That a performance bond could be included in the new tender but this would have an additional cost associated with it.

·  That soft market testing has revealed that the tender sum should come in relatively close to the original sum allowed.

·  That the types of material to be used on the car park reflecting the setting of the park would be included in the tender document.

·  The overflow car park would be a separate item in the tender  document.

RESOLVED: 

1)  That the tender exercise be re-run for the Cobtree car park improvement works as a design and build contract which would see the design liability placed upon the contractor, relieving the Council of risk.

2)  That an additional £10,000 budget be agreed to appoint an Employers Agent to manage the design and build tender process and the appointed contractor and for an additional £6,000 to be allocated for the Council’s project management time.

3)  That a further report be brought back to the Committee following the tendering process.

Voting:  For:  unanimous