Purpose

Seeking approval to procure works over £500k for the refurbishment and stock condition works including mechanical and electrical upgrade.

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

i)  Approves the procurement for refurbishment and condition improvement works identified through the stock condition surveys and associated assessments. This includes the procurement of consultants and contractors to complete further surveys, design and delivery of works for Swanspool House, Annex, Croyland Hall and Abbey, located in Wellingborough town centre.

b)  Delegates authority to the Director of Assets and Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environmental Services, to take all necessary actions to deliver the project, including awarding of the contract.

Reason for Recommendations:

•  To progress delivery of essential refurbishment and condition works identified through the stock condition surveys and further surveys, including mechanical, electrical and roofing works.

•  To address assets where key plant and equipment is at or beyond end of service life, reducing the risk of failure and service disruption.

•  To ensure buildings are brought up to required standards including accessibility, statutory compliance and insurance conditions are met.

•  To support the safe and effective future use of the buildings for Council services and staff accommodation.

•       To minimise further deterioration, reduce long-term costs and improve asset performance and energy efficiency.

•  Support the opportunity & investment priorities currently in development as part of the Wellingborough Masterplan work.

•  To reduce the risk of potential vandalism, unauthorised access and anti social behaviour.

•  Given the condition of the assets, the historical importance an external procured delivery approach is considered the most appropriate option.

Alternative Options Considered:

•  Do minimum / reactive maintenance only: Undertaking only essential repairs would not address underlying condition issues, end of life plant or compliance requirements. This would result in continued deterioration and increasing long-term costs.

•       Do nothing: No intervention would lead to further asset decline and underutilisation of buildings.

•  In-house delivery: The Council could seek to deliver the works internally however these works are of a significant scale that this cannot be accommodated by our in-house resources. This option is not considered viable.