Purpose

To request authority to vary a contract in respect of the London Road SEND School Design and Build Contract with Reds10 (UK) Ltd.

Decision

That the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration:

i)               Approves the variation of the contract for the London Road SEND School Design and Build Contract with Reds10(UK) Ltd as follows:

(a)  Increase the value of the two-stage Design and Build Contract to £22,204,085.34 (variation of £276,589.11).

(b)  Agree the final account for the Main Works contract.

Reasons for the decision

The Council entered into a two-stage design and build contract for the design and build of London Road SEND School with Reds10(UK) Ltd on 15 March 2023. The value of the contract, including both the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) and Main Works contract was £21,927,496.23.

Officers have concluded that the contract needs to be varied to increase the value of the contract to £22,204,085.34.

The increase relates to changes to scope and requirements during both the PCSA and the Main Works contract. These changes were necessary to complete the design of the school, conduct enabling works to the sewer on site as well as ensuring the doors proposed meet the needs of the school.

Alternative options considered

Officers have considered alternative proposals to varying the contract, such as seeking alternative contractors to complete the variation works. This was discounted due to the time it would take to design the requirements and procure a contractor.

A do nothing option was considered, but this would mean the school would not be able operate appropriately and would risk safeguarding and security needs specific to SEND children. This option was therefore discounted.