Decision

The Interim Director of Capital Programmes has approved the award of a contract for the renewal of Low Pressure Hot Water (LPHW) Convector Heaters and Pipework at Bidston Village Primary School to Senate Mech Limited (Company Number 04423957) for a 6 week term at a contract price of £290,287.81 and as the highest scoring tenderer in accordance with the most advantageous tender criteria.

Reasons for the decision

The heating system at Bidston Village CE Primary School, including pipework and heaters, is approximately 40 years old and has exceeded its expected service life. Although the boilers were replaced in 2021 and 2022, the remaining original system components are incompatible with modern, high-efficiency equipment. As a result, the system operates inefficiently, with reduced heat output, uneven distribution, and increased energy consumption due to internal corrosion, sludge build-up, and outdated emitters.
The aging infrastructure also leads to frequent maintenance issues, higher repair costs, and an increased risk of leaks or system failure, which could disrupt school operations and pose health and safety concerns. Additionally, the lack of effective controls and zoning further reduces efficiency and comfort levels. For these reasons, a full replacement of the pipework and heaters is required to ensure reliable performance, improved energy efficiency, and a safe, fit-for-purpose heating system.
Funding for the works will be sourced from the Councils School Condition Allocation (SCA) Grant.
A detailed specification of requirements for the required works was issued in April 2026 to five suppliers and a tender exercise undertaken. Three bids were received. The bids were evaluated having regard to the most advantageous tenderer criteria as detailed in the exempt Appendix, with the following weightings Price 40%, Quality 50% and Social Value 10%
Senate Mech Limited was the preferred tenderer, scoring the highest having regard to the evaluation criteria.
In addition to the contract price the Council will need to bear the cost of further fees associated with this project being £24,674.46 for professional fees, clerk of works, and CDM Regulations.
Appendix 1 contains exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. It is in the public interest to exclude the press and public under Paragraph 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).’

Alternative options considered

The option to undertake no further works would involve continuing to operate and maintain the existing pipework and heaters in their current condition. This would avoid immediate capital expenditure; however, it would result in the continued use of an aging and inefficient system that is already beyond its expected service life. The existing infrastructure would remain incompatible with the recently installed boilers, limiting overall system performance and energy efficiency.
Adopting a “do nothing” approach would lead to increasing maintenance demands, higher reactive repair costs, and a growing risk of system failure, including leaks or loss of heating. This could disrupt school operations, particularly during colder periods, and may pose health and safety concerns. Over time, this option is likely to prove less cost-effective due to escalating maintenance and energy costs, while failing to address comfort, reliability, and compliance with modern standards.