Decision details

Early in 2023, the Council worked with Lendlease, its development partner, to revise and agree a new phasing programme for the High Road West development. As a result of the revised phasing, the conditions of the development agreement with Lendlease will need to be amended to accommodate changes in the phase lease structure, including a shorter lease term for Phase 1A so that they are consistent with the requirements of both parties and in line with the requirements of the GLA funding agreements.

This commission will appoint Lavat Consulting Ltd. to act in an advisory capacity to the Council, to provide specialist tax advice that will enable the Council to make diligent decisions for the changes related to this immediate requirement and going forward towards making the development agreement unconditional and progressing works in relation to the Phase 1A lease. A direct award is considered to be the most expedient way to effectively commission an opportunity of this value.

Early in 2023, the Council worked with Lendlease, its development partner, to revise and agree a new phasing programme for the High Road West development. As a result of the revised phasing, the conditions of the development agreement with Lendlease will need to be amended to accommodate changes in the phase lease structure, including a shorter lease term for Phase 1A so that they are consistent with the requirements of both parties and in line with the requirements of the GLA funding agreements.

This commission will appoint Lavat Consulting Ltd. to act in an advisory capacity to the Council, to provide specialist tax advice that will enable the Council to make diligent decisions for the changes related to this immediate requirement and going forward towards making the development agreement unconditional and progressing works in relation to the Phase 1A lease. A direct award is considered to be the most expedient way to effectively commission an opportunity of this value.

An alternative option would be to competitively tender this opportunity. This option was rejected as Lavat Consulting Ltd. are well regarded specialists in this field. A direct award of this value is a compliant and efficient procurement method.