Decision

RESOLVED  that the council enters into a new contract with McBains Ltd for the provision of professional consultancy services to support completion of the Sustainable Transport Interchange & Hub, Market Square regeneration and Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter projects, up to a maximum contract value of £1,170,000.

Reasons for the decision

To support the delivery of Building Harlow’s Future mission to ‘rebuild our town’ and the specific outcome to ‘drive forward and complete the major regeneration schemes already transforming Harlow’.

To ensure continuity of professional and technical services required for the council to manage delivery risks relating to the Sustainable Transport Hub & Interchange, Market Square, and the Arts and Cultural Quarter projects.

Alternative options considered

Undertake a new procurement exercise, with the possibility of appointing an alternative provider.

This option was not preferred because the projects are live, with construction under way or key stages approaching completion. Continuing with the established consultant team provides the clearest and most efficient route to maintaining progress, avoiding mobilisation delays and supporting timely completion of all three schemes.