Decision

To proceed with the direct appointment of WW Martin as the main construction contractor for the conversion of the single storey extension of the former Probation Centre offices, in line with their cost submission.

Reasons for the decision

On the basis of the cost information provided and the quantity surveyor (QS) verification of value for money, and taking into account the potential costs of the significant delay to the project and impact this will likely have on the Council’s homelessness budgets, this decision has been taken because it represents the most prudent approach in the circumstances.

This will be a non-compliant award as the procurement of WW Martin has not been subject to competitive tender, however their price submission has been robustly verified against the specification of works and industry norms by the Council’s cost consultant and is below the RIBA stage 3 cost projections and within the approved budget.

As it is non-compliant, this officer decision has been published to support the instruction.

Alternative options considered

A full tender exercise could have been undertaken but this would have added a potential lengthy duration to the process at a time when the pressure of moving RISE out of the premises they were in and progressing this complex conversion did not afford time. With planning permission granted in September 2025 it was not felt that any further time could be lost waiting on a process that could have reasonably been expected to take a minimum of a further three months. Delays would have resulted in RISE having no direct access accommodation available for rough sleepers and no basis for the team to operate from.