Decision

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Action Regeneration and Renters and the Cabinet Member for Housing Services has approved the Westmead Full Business Case, the Contract award appointing WDC to undertake the main construction works and the expenditure of £40.978m.

Reasons for Decision

The former Westmead care home no longer met the modern standards for a care facility and was no longer fit for purpose. The care home was closed in 2020 and is now vacant. Therefore, the site is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held by the Council.

The Full Business Case represents the final business case stage in the project and reconfirms that project remains the most suitable option for the Council to deliver. The Full Business Case has shown that there is still a strong strategic, economic, commercial, financial and management case for the project to progress to the delivery phase. In August 2022, following a rigorous procurement strategy, WDC was identified as the preferred contractor through a technical evaluation.