Decision details

To approve the waiver of CSO 8.01 A as allowed in CSO 10.01.1(b) on the grounds set out in CSO 10.01.2(d)(ii) and pursuant to CSO 9.07.1(c) to award the contract to Groundwork London in the sum of £15,143 to carry out the functions as described in the Report.

Groundwork’s fees are £15,143

Groundwork London were previously engaged by the Council for an annual sum to assist the Council to bring forward parks and open space improvements. Their work included seeking external funding, consulting with residents, developing volunteering and designing improvement options. The Council’s Service Level Agreement with Groundwork came to an end on 31st March 2016. Groundwork were working on this project at the time the SLA came to an end and thus the upgrade works planned for Stationers Park is a legacy project developed with significant input from Groundwork London.

For reasons of continuity, to move forward the scheme with external funders and to maintain the trust built up with residents around the project it is important that we maintain our relationship with Groundwork London for the duration of the project. Further to this significant Council officer time will be saved with Groundwork carrying out most of the project management and administration for the project.

It should be noted that the very active Friends of Stationers Park have been involved at every stage of the project, for example conducting some of the consultation, sending a petition the Council and proactively assisting with the bid writing.

There are two other options we could consider to take this project forward. Firstly the Council could seek to procure another company to carry out the functions outlined in the report. This is not considered a viable option due to the relationship that Groundwork have with the project, particularly in terms of the resident engagement and the external funders.

The second option is to carry out all the functions outlined the Report ourselves. This option is not viable due the limited resources we have in house to do this effectively. Our resources are better and more effectively spent ensuring alongside residents and Groundwork that the tender specification is robust and fit for purpose to deliver an attractive facility and then ongoing clienting of the project.