Purpose

Award of contract for Kings Dock meanwhile use.

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the Corporate Director has decided to:

1)    Award a contract for the provision of landscaping, fencing, power, data, water and environmental enhancement and restoration works at King’s Dock to Robertson Construction Group Ltd for a period of 8 weeks commencing on 02 July for a total value of £260,571.48 (excluding VAT).

Alternative options considered

1.1          Do Nothing Option – the option to not proceed with the meanwhile use on Plot H defined as Phase 1A and leave the site in its current condition has been discounted due to the following implications:

1.1.1       Reputational risk: area would remain hoarded and visually unappealing, undermining the image of both Council and ACC Liverpool.

1.1.2       Lost opportunity: no activation of Plot H means no enhancement of the events offer or ability to generate additional income through F&B operators.

1.1.3       Stakeholder dissatisfaction: ACC Liverpool and event organisers may express concerns over a poor public realm environment adjacent to a major venue.

1.1.4       Non-alignment with strategic ambitions: this would contradict the Council’s regeneration objectives for the King’s Dock area.

1.2          Do Minimal Option – the option to undertake only basic site clearance and fence repairs to improve aesthetics, without progressing full meanwhile use design package has been discounted due to the following implications:

1.2.1       Slight visual improvement: this would make the site more presentable than it is currently but still lacks the functional benefit of power/water and rentable space.

1.2.2       No enhanced activation: the opportunity to introduce temporary food and beverage or event use would be missed, reducing the site’s value to ACC Liverpool’s offer.

1.2.3       Limited stakeholder benefit: may be seen as a partial solution, and not sufficient to meet expectations of key users like ACC Liverpool.

1.2.4       Short-term fix: does not support longer-term goals for delivering a comprehensive masterplan and activation strategy.

1.3          Do More Option – the option to deliver an enhanced meanwhile use scheme, incorporating infrastructure, high-quality landscaping and flexible event/F&B spaces has been discounted due to the following implications:

1.3.1       Higher upfront costs: requires greater initial capital which exceeds current defined budget.