Decision

Decision Taken:
 
Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy
& Planning to approve the to endorse a direct award to appoint
Martin Arnold (Reg No. OC315838) as the Council’s consultant
to deliver Multi-Disciplinary Consultant Services (incl. Quantity
Surveyor, Employer’s Agent and Construction Design Management
(CDM) Advisor) to support the delivery of the remaining Main Build
Construction works for
Torridon House development, for a value of up
to £74,718.75 excl. VAT (£89,662.50 incl. VAT). This
appointment can be covered under a RoOED in line with the
Council’s Financial Regulations.
 
Reason for the Decision:
 
The provision of Multi-Disciplinary Services
is critical to the successful delivery of the Torridon House
development, with Practical Completion anticipated November 2025.
Martin Arnold were the original Multi-Disciplinary Consultant Team
appointed to support the delivery of Torridon House development,
which they carried out up to the point of Geoffrey Osborne entering
administration in late April. By appointing Martin Arnold, the
Council will benefit from: · Experience – Through
working with members, councillors and the community, Martin Arnold
have built considerable experience of the political and local
sensitivities in Westminster and the project, experience that
cannot be transferred. · Time Constraints– If not
retained, the alternative option would be to run a full tender
exercise for new multi-disciplinary services. However, any new
consultant would need to be brought up to speed on the project
challenges, community, and political sensitivities, which could
prolong the timeline to complete the works and create additional
cost burden for the Council. · Project Continuity –
Through their work to date, Martin Arnold would be able to pick up
the work seamlessly and assist new members of the professional team
in understanding the challenges and sensitivities with the
scheme.