Decision details

Approval to enter into contract with ASB-MCM UK Construction Ltd (“ASB”) for up to £20,000 to undertake structural works at 1 and 5 White Hart Lane N17.

The Heritage Lottery funded Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) includes structural works as part of the repair and restoration of facades in conservation areas. These works focus on areas of deprivation where property owners are less likely to fund conservation
works.
Repair and restoration works have commenced on a number of properties along Tottenham High Road and White Hart Lane,
including 1-5 White Hart Lane. It became apparent that more structural works are required to the properties than originally set out in the specification for the works and in the contract with the owner.
The principal contractor, Cuttle Construction, for Phase 1 of the THI is not insured to work above a river and requires a culvert survey costing £6,000. As Cuttle Construction cannot undertake these works, a swift appointment of a contractor is required to ensure that
the THI project is delivered to time and budget, in accordance with the council’s agreements with HLF and the property owner.
Given that Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has agreed the structural works and an increase in the eligible costs for Phase 1, the council recommends that the THI project appoints a contractor and pays for 85% of the additional works. The remaining 15% will be paid by the owner. The THI project has offset some costs against the provisional
sums omitted from the overarching contract with Cuttle Construction and the works contingency budget.
Following a tender exercise to secure a contractor for the additional works, ASB is recommended as the preferred supplier. ASB quoted £17,485 for the remedial works, temporary propping and structural engineering, which is less than comparative costs from Cuttle. Two
other potential suppliers declined to tender. The contract value with ASB would be capped at £20,000 to allow contingency during the remedial works.
The risk to Haringey Council is considered to be low, as:
-The total cost of works for Phase 1 will remain below £1
million, leaving £500,000 remaining for Phase 2 properties.
-The owner will contribute 15% of the costs.
-The funder (HLF) has agreed to a separate contract for the structural works, which will not affect the overall project outcomes.
Structural works will enable the THI shopfront works at White Hart Lane to be completed, in accordance with the grant agreement between the Council and HLF.
The North Tottenham Conservation Area is on Historic England’s Heritage At Risk register. Repair and restoration of historic properties will improve the physical appearance of the conservation area and contribute to the wider regeneration of the area.

Officers considered the following options:
Option 1- Not appointing a contractor and the owner undertaking the works entirely at their own cost.
The THI project could allow the works to be commissioned by the council’s building control service and charged entirely to the owner, due to the nature of the works. This option is not recommended as, while the council’s contract with the owner states that that they may be liable for the full cost of any additional structural works required,the HLF have agreed the structural works and an increase in theeligible costs for Phase 1.
The owner also expects that they will only have to pay for 15% of the costs, as structural works are already included in the council’s agreement with them.
Option 2- Commissioning Cuttle Construction
The THI project could commission the principle contractor, CuttleConstruction to undertake the works. This option is not recommended as it will involve increased costs to the project as Cuttle is not insured to work above a river and require a culvert survey costing £6,000. This would be in addition to the costs of the works.