Purpose

Councillors, Co-opted Members and members of the public are invited to submit their comments on this report to Stephen.Wood@bromley.gov.uk

Decision

The Portfolio Holder for Environment approved the proceeding to procurement through a Closed Tender process (an invite-only tender from a shortlist of suitably experienced contractors) for the appointment of a works contractor, up to a contract value of £2.5 million for works to be undertaken to restore both the hydrological and ecological integrity of Keston Ponds and selected sections of the River Ravensbourne.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment agreed that if additional funding is secured exceeding the £2.5 million contract value, the contract may be modified under Chief Officer authorisation (subject to a £1 million threshold), permitting an increase in the total contract value up to £3.5 million.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment noted that on 27 May 2026, the Executive would be requested to authorise the delegation of the award of the contract to the Director of Environment and Public Protection, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Assistant Director for Governance & Contracts, the Director for Finance and the Director of Corporate Services & Governance, following the conclusion of the compliant procurement process.

The Portfolio Holder further noted that on 27 May 2026, the Executive will also be asked to approve the addition of the grant referred to in the accompanying Part 2 report to the Capital Programme.

Reasons for the decision

The Environment Portfolio Holder made this decision because the Keston Ponds Project represented a significant environmental restoration initiative, with an estimated construction value of approximately £2.5 million. The project is dedicated to restoring both the hydrological and ecological integrity of Keston Ponds and selected sections of the River Ravensbourne. The Council had secured external grant funding, to support a defined package of delivery works.

The grant is subject to conditions, including contract award and commencement by September 2026. To ensure value for money and continuity with an experienced specialist contractor; the Portfolio Holder for Environment's approval to proceed to procurement for a works contractor up to the value of £2.5 million to enable the delivery of the Keston Ponds Project was required.

If additional funding is secured exceeding the £2.5 million contract value, the contract may be modified under Chief Officer authorisation (subject to a £1 million threshold), permitting an increase in the total contract value up to £3.5 million.