Decision details

Request for approval to appoint ‘Hunters Architectural Services’ to undertake a two-stage feasibility study (RIBA Stage 0-2) to determine the capacity of the Irish Centre to accommodate the Grace Organisation.

Decision Maker: Head of Programme Management

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

For the Assistant Director of Regeneration and Economic Development to award a contract for the development of a high level design feasibility study regarding relocation options for the Grace Organisation, including topographical and spatial survey of the Irish Centre, for a period of 3 months from December 2020 to February 2021 for the value of £8,590.

Reasons for the decision:

The Grace Organisation delivers a valuable service to the local elderly community which will need to be maintained following their relocation as part of the delivery of the High Road West scheme. A specialist service is required to advise on the suitability of the Irish Centre as a suitable site for relocation and provide a high level design in accordance with appropriate and recognised standards and spatial requirements.

Alternative options considered:

Not undertaking the commission:
The current lack of an agreed and suitable relocation premises has meant that the relocation of the Grace Centre is a delivery risk for the HRW Scheme which could not be resolved without undertaking this work.

Three quote tender process:
The alternative approach would be to procure a specialist through a three-quote tender process. Under Council standing orders, it is not necessary to extend the tender process to further bidders and doing so would add additional time to the programme which would result in failure to meet the required timescales and would be detrimental to the project.

The Council need to work with the Grace Organisation, with the support of their specialised advisor to ensure that the Grace organisation will be re-allocated to a high-quality and suitable location, where they will be able to continue to deliver valuable services to the local community. As such, the preference is to proceed with this recommendation.

Publication date: 18/02/2021

Date of decision: 15/01/2021