Purpose

Background
On 20 December 2024, Cabinet accepted the Community Regeneration Partnership funding and commenced delivery. Prior to this, the programme was accepted into the Policy Framework by Full Council on 8 June 2024 and the principle of entering the Partnership approved by Cabinet on 26 July 2024. Subsequently, the funding has been received and a Memorandum of Understanding entered with MHCLG which includes TDC as the Accountable Body.
Reason
The additional fee is based on a 9-month programme extension and a two-stage tender not included within the original scope. The programme prolongation is due to the value engineering exercise undertaken and a delay in receiving our planning responses.
The two-stage tender, including the PCSA, was chosen as a procurement route as a result of our pre-market engagement exercise, in which contractors stated this as a preferred means when working with on refurbishing existing buildings. This occurred in February 2026.
Continuity
By retaining RUA as our EA and QS on the project we are ensuring that we have a suitably qualified professional Quantity Surveyor for project delivery and cost management, therefore, decreasing risk as the project progresses.
Value for Money
They have demonstrated value for money of the fee to date, through the successful procurement and have undertaken a number of services at no additional cost. Furthermore, this fee is utilising last year’s rates (making it extremely competitive) and TDC have already negotiated this fee down with the consultant.
The acceptance of this fee will ensure the project progresses, per the Council’s commitment to date and as set out in the Project Initiation Document.

Decision

To approve an extension to the contract dated 2nd December 2025 between TDC and Richard Utting Associates LLP, by an additional 9-months with fees of £34,925.00 (cost + 10% contingency, excluding VAT).
Richard Utting Associates LLP are the Employers Agent and Quantity Surveyor for the Seafront Micro-Venue.
These additional fees are result from programme prolongation and additional scope requirements, including extension of the consultant’s services to facilitate a two-stage tender process and Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA).

Alternative options considered

The wider project will include works to provide improved amenities to residents of and visitors to the district and deliver improvements to the condition of existing public realm and open spaces owned by the Council, with a view to improving condition and managing the ongoing maintenance burden of such sites.