Decision

Following the formal tender process, to award the contract to Azone Projects Ltd (who submitted the most advantageous tender) for up to £630,000 which includes a contingency to complete the aforementioned works to improve the building, ready for reletting.

Reasons for the decision

Eskan Court is held by the Council under the Strategic Property Investment Fund. Properties held through the SPIF are to support the Council finances through income generation. This decision will enable the space to be let, to assist in retaining the upper floor tenant upon lease expiry, therefore retaining income.

Alternative options considered

1.    Various approved contractors were initially considered for the three formal tender invitations, and following consideration of the project particulars and scope, Azone Projects, and two others deemed most suitable to operate on this project type and scope within the Milton Keynes area.

The scope of works tendered can be summarised as the dilapidations and CAT A refurbishment works to the Part Ground Floor unit, to include EPC upgrade works to the base-build M&E/HVAC in anticipation of updated MEES regulations.

2.    Leaving the site as it is. This option would mean the unit would remain a vacant space without income to the Council and, crucially, in future breach of MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) regulations so becoming unliveable.