Decision details

That the Assistant Director for Regeneration and Economic Development approves the award and waiver, in accordance with CSO 9.07.1(c) and CSO 10.01, to Emma Smith for the completion of the artistic interventions for Penstock Tunnel for the fixed maximum value of £25,000.00

The preferred approach for commissioning the completion of the designs for Penstock Tunnel is to directly contract with Emma Smith. This would both ensure design consistency within the project and allow the project to be delivered within the programme constraints.

Emma Smith has in-depth knowledge of the project, having previously developed the designs for Penstock Tunnel to RIBA stage 3, in partnership with appointed principal designers We Made That LLP. Hence the services sought are a natural extension. Emma will continue her role as part of the delivery team and delivery of the artworks will be via Haringey Council’s highways contract.

A waiver of tendering is being sought on the basis that it is considered to be within the Council’s overall interest under CSO 10.01.

The alternative approach would be to procure an artist through a three-quote tender process, this would add up to 8-10 weeks to the programme and would affect the completion of the project and the time dependant constraints. Furthermore, Emma Smith was selected as the successful artist via a procurement process that involved, local stakeholders, Councillors, Heartlands School, principal designers We Made That and Haringey officers.

Given RIBA Stage 0-3 have already been started by Emma Smith, it is unlikely that a new team would be able to deliver the work without incurring additional and unnecessary fees. The new team would need to familiarise themselves with the work which has already been carried out. Potential fundamental changes to designs and delays will impact upon the necessary preliminary works and current scheme timeframes.