Issue - meetings

In line with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 2.01c and 0.08 the report sought approval from the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) to award a contract to Tenderer A in the sum of £1,909,942.00 for the Hamilton Close Major Works Programme.

Hamilton Close consists of seven blocks of three?storey, purpose?built flats. As part of the ongoing Asset Management programme, a series of improvement works was planned to enhance the communal and external areas. The scope of these works included the replacement of the existing timber?framed communal entrances with an aluminium curtain walling system, the application of a fire?rated coating to the communal walls, ceilings, and woodwork, along with the renewal of the vinyl floor coverings to the stairs and landing areas.

The planned works were originally scheduled to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. However, commencement was delayed following receipt of updated Fire Risk Assessments (FRA and FRAEW) covering both the internal and external areas of the blocks. These assessments highlighted several significant fire safety deficiencies within the communal spaces and external areas requiring further consideration before the improvement works could proceed.

The fire safety deficiencies identified in the updated assessments required further consideration before the improvement works could progress. As a result, the original scope of works had to be reviewed to ensure that all proposed improvements were fully aligned with current fire safety standards and regulatory requirements.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED

1. To approve, Pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 2.01c and 0.08, the award of contract to Tenderer A for the sum of £1,909,942.00. Full details of Tenderer A, along with information on the other bidders, were provided in Appendix A – Exempt Report.

2. To approve the expenditure of sums as set out in Appendix A – Exempt Report.

3. To approve, in line with Contract Standing Orders (CSO 16.04), issuance of a letter of intent for the value of £190,994.00. The Letter of Intent will allow the contractor to commence the project by placing orders with their supply chain before agreeing a formal contract.

Reasons for decision

Feasibility and Condition Surveys

The Council appointed a multi?disciplinary consultant in 2024 to undertake a feasibility study of the seven timber framed blocks on the Hamilton Close estate. The purpose of the study was to gather essential technical information to inform and develop a comprehensive major works programme.

In addition to the feasibility study, the consultant was commissioned to provide a suite of specialist services, as outlined below. The corresponding fees for these services were set out in the Exempt Report (Appendix A). These services included:

• Project and cost management

• Architectural design and technical support

• Building surveying

• Mechanical, electrical, structural engineering

• Principal Designer services in compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Building Safety Regulations

The feasibility study was carried out in two phases. The initial phase, undertaken in February 2024, focused on evaluating the condition of the communal areas, including the main entrances, with a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7