Purpose

To enable the Phase 1.5 and Phase 2 refurbishment of Union Street, integrated with the site’s decarbonisation works. The scheme will improve and increase the staff working environment, improve accessible facilities, replace the deteriorated floor and support continued occupation of the building.

Decision

Approval of the Full Business Case for internal refurbishment works at Union Street, with a budget requirement of £0.642m (£642,635). The works are to be delivered alongside previously approved decarbonisation works of £0.538m, giving a combined capital budget of £1.180m. The decision also notes that the decarbonisation funding was approved through the 2024/25 Decarbonisation Programme.

Reasons for the decision

The works are required to provide additional desk space for Children’s Services and contribute to the wider Oxford city-centre accommodation requirement. The original feasibility design was unaffordable within the approved budget, so a reduced design was developed to address priority building-condition, accessibility and operational requirements while remaining within available funding. Approval also enables tendering and procurement to proceed and reduces the risk of delay, increased supply-chain costs and potential repayment of £163,000 of Salix grant funding.

Alternative options considered

The feasibility design was considered but was not affordable because it required an increase of more than £0.700m above the initial budget. Not proceeding was also considered but rejected because essential elements, including the floor and windows, require replacement; delay could increase costs, affect delivery of the linked decarbonisation works and create a risk that £163,000 of grant funding would need to be repaid. The approved option is a reduced-scope design delivered by the Minor Works team within the available budgets.