Purpose

This report seeks Cabinet
Member approval to appoint Balfour Beatty  under the Scape Framework to provide Early
Contract Involvement in the development of the works information
for the first Phase of the Southport Public Realm scheme with a
view to a further appointment to deliver the works.

Decision

Decision(s): That
 

 

(1)        
the appointment of Balfour Beatty under the Scape
Framework be approved to offer Feasibility input into the
development of the Southport Public Realm (Les Transformations)
Phase 1.

(2)        
delegated authority be given to the Assistant
Director of Place - Highways & Public Protection, following
consultation with Cabinet Member, to award the Contract for Early
Contract Involvement (ECI) in the construction of Southport Public
Realm (Les Transformations) Phase 1 to Balfour
Beatty.

(3)        
Subject to a successful appraisal of the outcome of
the ECI process delegated authority be given to the Assistant
Director of Place - Highways & Public Protection, following
consultation with Cabinet Member, to award the Contract for the
construction of Southport Public Realm (Les Transformations) Phase
1 to Balfour Beatty.

Reasons for the Decision(s):
 
The Council has received funding from the
Southport Town Deal to deliver a number of projects in Southport.
These include improvements to the Public Realm under the title of
Les Transformations. A scheme has been developed which is centred
around Southport Market. There is some pressure to demonstrate
progress and maximise spend before March 2024 of the Town Deal
funds targeted for expenditure in 2023/24 and to substantially
complete the improvement works prior to the busier summer season in
2024. Early Contractor Involvement has the advantage of ensuring
that the works are well programmed, buildability of the scheme is
considered at an early stage and that the period between completing
the design (and agreeing a contract cost) and the works commencing
will be reduced. This should ensure that greater cost certainty is
achieved, construction risks are reduced and the works are more
likely to be completed in advance of the summer season in
2024.
 
The Scape Framework has been
successfully used for other public realm improvements within the
Liverpool City Region.
 
 
 
Alternative Options
Considered and Rejected: (including any
Risk Implications)
 
The works could be delivered
using a tendering process. This would introduce some further
competition into the procurement process. However, the project
planning wouldn’t have the benefit of contractor input until
following the award of the contract for the works thus increasing
the risk of delay and claims. There is also the risk that
contractors may chose not to tender due to current workloads. The
tender appraisal process would result in works commencing later and
perhaps extending into the summer months..