Issue - meetings

Part B report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth to Cabinet on 1 September 2021.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the Part B report regarding the procurement of the main contractors for the Radcliffe Civic Hub project, which was considered by Cabinet on 1 September 2021. Members discussed the report, including details of the appointed contractor.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth to Cabinet on 1 September 2021 and extract of the minutes of that meeting are attached. A verbal update will be provided at the meeting.  

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report regarding the procurement of the main contractors for the Radcliffe Civic Hub project, which was considered by Cabinet on 1 September 2021.

The Leader advised that while the results of the Levelling Up Funding (LUF) were awaited, work was underway to progress the project and maintain momentum. Although there was a risk the bid would not be successful, the early stages of the procurement phase were still being progresses as they would still be necessary for the wider SRF. A strong set of submissions had been received but the appointed contractor demonstrated strength in their supply chain and in working with local stakeholders, for which they had a dedicated team.

In response to questions it was noted that the LUF bid focussed on the public service hub, and the wider SRF would progress irrespective of whether finding was granted. Bid requirements were more about addressing areas of need and conceptual issues rather than the detail, and there was still flexibility to respond to feedback from local residents and businesses about what they wanted and where.

Members discussed the library and Whittaker Street civic offices, noting that the only decision taken on the latter was its inclusion on the list of sites for phase 3 of the land disposals programme. No decision would be made without engagement with staff and those affected to fully understand the implications of decanting from the site before the new hub was built.

The Leader emphasised that no decisions had been made as to how spaces would be used or by whom and the contractors would work up options and the detail. In response to concerns about the basement space in Market Hall, it was noted that no agreements were in place; all interested parties would be invited to discuss the options around the site but no formal or informal arrangements were in place.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the Part B report which set out the details of the submissions received regarding the procurement of the main contractors for the Radcliffe Civic Hub and Bury Market Flexi Hall projects.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.   Noted progress to date on the development of the Radcliffe Civic Hub and Bury Market Flexi Hall projects, in line with the LUF bid procurement strategy and spending programme requirements;

2.   Approved the contractor appointments to undertake design development and planning for both projects on behalf of the Council under preconstruction service agreements (the details of which are in the Part B paper); and

3.   Noted that update reports will be presented to Cabinet upon completion of each RIBA Stage.

Reasons for the decision:

As set out for the Part A report.

Other options considered and rejected:

As set out for the Part A report.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report regarding the procurement of the main contractors for the Radcliffe Civic Hub and Bury Market Flexi Hall projects, having now been subject to a competitive tendering process which culminated in the receipt of multiple submissions, the details of which were set out in the Part B paper later in the agenda.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.   Noted progress to date on the development of the Radcliffe Civic Hub and Bury Market Flexi Hall projects, in line with the LUF bid procurement strategy and spending programme requirements;

2.   Approved the contractor appointments to undertake design development and planning for both projects on behalf of the Council under preconstruction service agreements (the details of which are in the Part B paper); and

3.   Noted that update reports will be presented to Cabinet upon completion of each RIBA Stage.

Reasons for the decision:

·         The Radcliffe Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) was adopted in September 2020 as the Council’s policy for the future regeneration of the town. The development of a Hub in Radcliffe’s town centre is integral to the SRF’s aims, and access to monies from the Levelling Up Fund is crucial to the delivery of the hub.

·         In Area policy BY6 - Central Shopping Area, the current development plan states that the Council will encourage and support proposals for retailing and appropriate ancillary retail uses within Bury town centre's central shopping area.

·         In Area policy S1/1 - Shopping in Bury Town Centre, the Council will protect, maintain, and enhance the role of Bury Town Centre as a subregional shopping centre and promote the centre as a focal point for further development. In particular, the Council will support the expansion of the centre through the development of additional comparison shopping floorspace, complementary non-food retail warehousing and speciality shopping.

Other options considered and rejected:

Undertake all duties required to complete RIBA Stages 2-4 and go out to the market via a traditional tender route. This approach is not feasible due to limited internal resource to manage all design and planning activities. Moreover, the timescales required to fulfil these duties and follow a compliant traditional tender route would not enable compliance with the LUF spending criteria a programme.