Purpose

The Corn Exchange is a Grade II listed
building constructed by Brightwen Binyon in the 19th
Century, succeeding the adjacent Town Hall by an estimated 10 years
and has recently become even more of a staple of Ipswich following
the temporary closure of Regent Theatre for renovations.
 
During the recent redecoration works on the
South Elevation on King’s Street, it was discovered that the
structure supporting the staff entrance window has deteriorated and
dropped, creating a severe health and safety hazard for anyone who
passes the location.
 
Discussing the issue with the lead contractor
(Bluebell Architectural & Design Products Limited), they have
offered the following solution:
• Attend site to remove both glass panes
and set aside adjacent lift wall at staff entrance.
• Form temporary support to sill.
• Remove ventilation grill and set aside
for review/reuse.
• Inspect void to determine base for new
sill support structure.
• Gently raise sill to correct
position.
• Provisionally, form new treated timber
framework to support windowsill.
• Provisionally reinstate existing
ventilation grill.
• Install glass panes.
• If required, temporarily hoard over
openings during works for security.
 
Cost > £3,526.00 exc VAT.
 
The total cost of the redecoration contract
was £8,823.59 and a contract variation is being requested to
allow the contract value to be £12,349.59.
 
Due to the instability of the structure, it
would be in the Council’s best interest to remedy this issue
immediately to prevent Health and Safety implications and allow the
continuation of redecoration works to commence once again as it
would be dangerous for the main contractor to continue due to the
risk of
injury.

Decision

To vary the contract to increase the contract
value to £12,349.59.
 
Reason:
To enable the necessary works to be carried
out to repair the staff entrance.