Decision details

For the Director of Capital Projects and Property to approve the variation of existing works contract with Niblock (Builders) Limited for the refurbishment of Highgate Library increasing the purchase order to Niblock (Builders) Limited by £11,360.00 pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO)18.03.3 and CSO 2.02(b)

The works are for Highgate Library which forms part of the Library Transformation Programme.

The original contract was approved by Cabinet in December 2022 for £536,326.96 plus an agreed 10% contingency of £53,632.70, offering a total contract value of £589,959.67.

In December 2023 the contract was varied to a value of £653,640 due to project scope changed during construction phase. The project completed in December 2023.

The total cost over the life the contract (including this variation) is £665,000.00.

For the Director of Capital Projects and Property to approve an increase of the project budget from £955,408.05 to £993,023.42 to accommodate both the variation to the works contract (£11,360) and also the additional professional fees and disbursements which this initial uplift attracts (£26,255.37)

Variations have been instructed under the contract by the Contract Administrator. The works completed in December 2023. Payment is overdue.

The decision to not pay the contractor what has been determined to be contractually due to the contractor would expose LBH to a claim from the contractor for breach of contract. This approach has been rejected.