Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) considered a report, which sought a decision to award a contract for the major refurbishment programme at Stellar House.

The works to Stellar House included structural repairs to all elevations, replacement of flat entrance doors, fire doors to communal stairwells, emergency lighting, replacement of windows to dwellings and communal areas, replacement of soil and vent pipes, renewal of lateral mains and other external and communal building fabric repairs and redecorations to include the application of fire rated coatings to all previously painted elements.

It was noted that this block had a history of leakages and the need for works was driven by building safety requirements. The original tender process had received only one compliant bid; therefore, a second tender process had been taken forward through the DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) framework. The successful bid was £6.6m and that was set against a pre-tender estimate of £7.2m. There had been a poor response from leaseholders to the engagement activities, but the project team would continue to engage with them in the ongoing works.

In response to questions from Cllr Bevan, the following was noted:

-       The contractor and Council officers would work with legal services if there needed to be court orders sought to gain access to properties for the replacement of soil and vent pipes.

-       In relation to rubbish dumping on the first-floor patio area, officers were fully aware of this issue and trying to compile a safe way to clear and future-proof this area.

Following consideration of the exempt information and exempt recommendations, the

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader),

RESOLVED

1. That in line with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 16.02, to approve the award of contract to Tenderer A (as set out in Appendix A), to a total value of £6,612,850.35.

2. To approve a Letter of Intent to be issued to the contractor for a value of no more than £100k prior to issue of the formal contract. The Letter of Intent will enable the contractor to place an order with their supply chain to enable the programme to be met. 

Reasons for decision

1. 

The works to Stellar House have been identified following the Council’s instruction to John Rowan and Partners LLP (JRP) in May 2022, to undertake an options appraisal and feasibility study to assess the condition of the block for a major works programme.

The feasibility study concluded that major works are required to the block, and these range from the replacement of windows to dwellings and communal areas, replacement of front entrance and communal fire doors, structural repairs, and fire upgrade / improvements to the common parts and the general upgrade to the main fabric of the building.

Alternative options considered.

2. 

Do nothing is not an option as the feasibility study carried out by JRP revealed essential works to ensure compliance with current fire safety and building regulations. The study also revealed significant works, which will not only prolong the life of the building by replacing key elements but will also; provide a safe and healthy environment for the residents.

The only option available to the Council is to accept the recommendations put forward by JRP to develop a major works project and procure a suitable contractor to deliver the scheme in accordance with the outline budget and programme.