Purpose

Ipswich Borough Council is proposing to
redevelop Arras Square.
 
An original scheme for the redevelopment of
Arras Square was put on hold in 2022.
 
The Arras Square Public Realm project is now
being restarted in earnest, with a new design and associated lead
services needing to be progressed, based on a reduced scope of
works.
 
Lead (landscape architect) services are now
required by an external consultancy to progress with the design,
including for specialist civils and lighting design services.
 
A renegotiation of fees with the previously
appointed lead architect has been carried out with Erect
Architecture, administered by officers under the guidance of
Ipswich Borough Council’s Procurement Service.
 
An Officer Decision was made in accordance
with delegated authority on 12th March 2020 to award related
services to Erect Architecture for the sum of £69,990, based
on it delivering the original scheme. Erect Architecture’s
original appointment was based on its bid being considered the most
economically advantageous bid received at the time. Original
services provided by Erect Architecture increased, with the total
related expenditure amounting to £100,583.
 
An exemption to Contract Standing Orders has
been approved to re-appoint Erect Architecture on the basis this as
provides the best option to meet the required deadlines and
provides the Council with good value.
 
Renegotiated fees for the revised scheme
amount to £88,905 (excl. VAT). This renegotiated sum is
considered by officers as offering the Council with good value for
money and would be funded from existing allocated capital
budgets.

Decision

To re-appoint Erect Architecture.
 
Reason:
To progress with design works for the
redevelopment of Arras Square.