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 7-month programme extension and all works associated with the temporary enclosure required for drying out the building. The programme prolongation is due to the optioneering works undertaken with Historic England, establishing the drying out method of the building and the interface with the overall proposals.
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 undertaking a number of services at no additional cost. Furthermore, this fee is utilising last year’s rates, which makes it extremely competitive.
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 7-months with fees of £23,100.00 (cost + 10% contingency, excluding VAT).
Richard Utting Associates LLP are the Employers Agent and Quantity Surveyor for Martello Tower E reuse and refurbishment.
These additional fees result from programme prolongation and additional scope requirements, including extension of the consultant’s services to facilitate the additional scope.

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.