Decision

That approval be given to proceed to procurement for a main contractor to deliver the capital works for the Wharton Road Children's Home at an estimated contract value of £1.2m.

That authority be delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, the Assistant Director: Governance and Contracts, the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance, to award the main works contract and any ancillary contracts required to deliver the project, in order to maintain programme certainty and support the planned start on site date.

Reasons for the decision

The Wharton Road Children’s Home will provide a purpose-built children's residential home to support children in care within the borough, reducing reliance on external placements and creating a permanent Council-owned asset.  Agreeing delegated authority to award the main works contract and any ancillary contracts required to deliver the project will support timely delivery of the scheme, maintain programme certainty and help meet agreed funding and construction milestones.