Decision details

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth and Skills, presented the report which outlined the works packages that, in accordance with the Radcliffe Hub project programme, now need to be instructed via an enabling works contract. He confirmed that monies needed to be defrayed by March 2025 and advised that there would be disruption during the works and therefore further communications and engagement would go out to residents. It was noted that the detailed drawings and programme that inform these works were appended to Part B of this paper.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the proposed scope of the enabling works to be undertaken by Vinci Construction;

2.    Accepted the tender report recommendation that Vinci Construction undertake this works package at the contract sum set out in Part B of this report;

3.    Delegated finalisation of the contract amendments and clarifications to the Director of Law and Governance; and

4.    Approved the contingency allowances (set out in Part B) to account for potential cost increases.

Reasons for the decision:

The development site identified for the Hub project in Radcliffe town centre includes several assets that will need to be demolished and cleared and remedial works undertaken in order for the main construction and refurbishment work to be carried out. Whilst the delivery of a vacant possession strategy will ensure that the South Block and Market Chambers buildings are no longer occupied and all units are empty by April 2023, Radcliffe Market will remain operational throughout the proposed construction period. These key considerations have informed both the scope and methodology for carrying out the works, and the phasing of the construction programme and  including the enabling period.

Other options considered and rejected:

Instructing the works under a single main works contract. This was rejected as re-tendering and re-pricing would add significant delays to the project. Use of a two-stage design and build procurement system has also enabled significant collaboration between the main contractor and design team. This has improved buildability of the asset and enabled more effective value management.