Decision

The Director of Capital Programmes and Assets has authorised the commencement of a procurement process to appoint a multi-disciplinary lead design consultancy to progress the Liscard Town Centre Public Realm Improvements scheme via the CCS Construction Professional Services 2: RM6356 – Lot 1: General Infrastructure framework.

Reasons for the decision

This decision supports the delivery of the Liscard Regeneration Programme.  The Council has developed an outline (RIBA Stage 2) design for public realm improvements within Liscard Town Centre and is now required to appoint a suitably qualified lead design consultancy to progress the scheme through detailed design, tender preparation, and delivery support.

Failure to procure these services at this stage would delay programme delivery and risk the Council’s ability to progress the scheme in line with funding requirements.

The appointment is necessary to:

• Develop a coordinated, technically robust and buildable scheme through RIBA Stages 3–4;

• Undertake and manage required surveys, investigations, and multidisciplinary inputs;

• Produce detailed tender documentation to enable contractor procurement;

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including funding requirements, and alignment with Council standards; and

• Support delivery of a high-quality scheme aligned with regeneration and placemaking objectives

The commission will be funded via the Council’s Local Regeneration Fund, which was approved by the Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee on 19 January 2026 . The overall budget for the public realm scheme is estimated to be £3.4M. The design consultancy costs will be specified following the assessment of bids submitted via the CCS Construction Professional Services 2: RM6356 – Lot 1: General Infrastructure framework and published in the awarding ODN

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – This option has been discounted as it would prevent progression of the scheme beyond concept stage, delay delivery, and risk funding and regeneration outcomes.

Undertake design in-house – This option has been discounted due to the requirement for specialist multidisciplinary expertise and capacity not being available internally.