Decision details

It is recommended that the Assistant Director of Housing approves a waiver by waiving off CSO 8.03 and an approval of the waiver and award in accordance with CSO’s 10.01.1b, 9.07.1(c) and 10.01.2. d) (ii) (ii) to award a contract Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineering services for the Mallard Place project to Max Fordham LLP to RIBA Stage 3

The direct award of Max Fordham LLP to RIBA Stage 3 will ensure a timely delivery of design and development of Mallard Place to be able to claim GLA SOS grant by March 2026. Max Fordham have a detailed knowledge of the project and Haringey requirements, having been the M&E consultant on Ashley Road Depot, a recent similar-sized affordable housing project initiated by the Housing Delivery Team.
Max Fordham LLP direct award and planned start in providing M&E Engineering services on the project in December 2024, will be crucial in helping to achieve Haringey’s commitment to build 3000 Council homes by 2031, with Levitt Bernstein’s initial feasibility indicating that 168 homes can be delivered on the sites Block D and Mallard Place.
It is key to appoint Max Fordham LLP on to the project asap as there will be an urgent requirement for M&E designs and clarifications/requirements which will feed into the Architect’s drawings and help us meet the March 2026 deadline for a SOS grant claim

The Council could decide not to procure these services or direct award this contract to Max Fordham LLP. This option is not recommended as it would impact the delivery timescales of design, a future planning submission and award of build contract by March 2026. If the March 2026 date is not achieved, this would ultimately impact the Council’s Housing Delivery programme aspirations of providing much-needed new Council homes, with potentially 168 homes not delivered.