Purpose

This decision forms part of the wider Milton Road and Victoria Street schemes, approved by Cabinet as part of the Local Regeneration Fund programme.
During the pre-start meeting held with Ermine Construction Services Ltd ahead of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) commencement, the contractor identified a requirement for additional ground investigation information to support the detailed engineering design during the PCSA stage. Ermine's structural engineer requested that the additional borehole be drilled to approximately 30m depth to provide sufficient ground data to inform foundation design and reduce construction risk.
Whilst intrusive ground investigations have already been completed at the site, the previous borehole did not achieve the depth required by the contractor's design team. Soiltechnics Ltd have therefore provided a quotation to undertake a further borehole using a larger rig capable of achieving the required depth.
The additional investigation is necessary to support progression of the PCSA, detailed design development and the preparation of a robust contract sum for the main construction works. The quotation has been reviewed by Baily Garner LLP, who have confirmed the rates are reasonable and representative of current market costs.

Decision

To approve the appointment of Soiltechnics Ltd to undertake an additional 30m borehole investigation, associated geotechnical and geo-environmental testing, and reporting at 20 Victoria Street, at a value of up to £14,200.00 (excluding VAT), including a 10% contingency.

Alternative options considered

The investigations are short-term enabling works and will be completed ahead of any potential Local Government Reorganisation milestones. No impacts are anticipated.