Purpose

This report seeks approval to award a contract
at a value of up to £350k (ex. VAT) for concept and
preliminary design services for a public realm project at Castle
Street.

Decision

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

Award a contract for concept and
preliminary design services for a public realm project at Castle
Street, to the successful bidder identified in exempt Appendix 2 at
an estimated value of £161,604.99 (ex. VAT) with a planned
commencement date of December 2025.

 

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: The Council would not have
any concept and preliminary design support. With very limited
internal design resource within the Council’s Sustainable
Transport, Highways and Parking team, it is highly unlikely that
the Council could devise an appropriate in-house design solution
for Castle Street, reflective of the historical significance of
this location.  This is particularly the
case because of time pressure, with funds committed by Liverpool
City Region Combined Authority for the Castle Street project
required to be drawn down by 31 March 2027.  Therefore, this option has been discounted.