Purpose

This report seeks approval to award contract
for the remodelling of 391 and 393 Longmoor Lane to create a new
children’s care home to accommodate respite stays. Works
involve remodelling and refurbishment to accommodate staff and up
to three children.

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the
Corporate Director has decided to:
1)   
award a contract for works for a period of 16 weeks to City Build
Manchester Ltd (company number: 03414425), for a total estimated
value of £415,770.11 (excluding VAT) to undertake remodelling
and refurbishment works to create a new children’s home for
edge of care and delivery of specialist services at 391-393
Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, L10 1LB.
2)   
approve the transfer of £254,194 from the Council’s
Childrens Homes capital funding to support the project costs.

Alternative options considered

Alternative approaches considered include:
·      
Maintaining the property in its current configuration. This has
been discounted as it would not deliver the required increase in
local placement capacity or meet the Council’s sufficiency
duty, leaving continued reliance on costly external provision.
·      
Procuring a new-build facility was also considered but rejected due
to significantly higher capital costs, extended delivery
timescales, and the risk of grant funding deadlines being
missed.
·      
The option of leasing or purchasing an alternative property was
assessed; however, this presented challenges around suitability,
planning, and compliance with regulatory standards, as well as
additional financial pressures.
Remodelling the existing Council-owned
property was identified as the most viable solution, offering best
value by utilising existing assets, ensuring timely delivery within
Department for Education grant conditions, and supporting the
strategic aim of improving local provision for children in
care.