Purpose

Briefly explain what the report will be about, and then set out the decision(s) required

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to:

·       resume the Design Services Contract for MICA Architects, including approval for the increase in contract fee to accommodate project re-scoping, inflation, and change to the contract duration to project completion, anticipated March 2028.

·       procure Structural Engineer Services for College Green Public Realm via a Direct Award to Stantec under the NHS framework.

Recommendation:

·       Approve the suspension of design services delivered under the contract with MICA Architects is lifted and that the contract is extended by way of variation until 31/03/2028; with the new value as set out in Part B report.

·       Approve the procurement of Structural Engineer services for College Green Public Realm via a Direct Award under the NHS framework; with the value as set out in Part B report

Decision

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, the Corporate Director for Place AGREED to approve:

a)    that the existing contract with MICA Architects entered into in January 2020 is extended by way of variation until 31/12/2028; with the new value as set out in the  Part B report.

b)    the award of a contract for Structural Engineer services for College Green Public Realm (via a Direct Award under the NHS framework- Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services (Lot 7)) to Stantec UK Limited for the contract value set out in the Part B report.

Reasons for the decision

The continuation of both the design team (MICA Architects) and Structural Engineer (Stantec) will ensure continuation of in-depth knowledge and expertise on the project. Both fee proposals have been reviewed against the appropriateness of price and quality as reviewed with Procurement and Legal.

The recommendations are in line with Growth Zone Programme funding as approved under Mayoral Decision Report dated 09.05.25.

Alternative options considered

Other alternative options were considered and rejected for the reasons set out below:

Do Nothing:

This option is rejected as it would not support the Council’s priorities for town centre growth, regeneration and social and economic recovery at a very critical stage.