Decision

The Assistant Director has authorised:
(1) the acceptance of the Vodafone Ltd C4 detailed estimate for diversionary works required to facilitate the Birkenhead Waterfront Infrastructure and Surrounds scheme at a total estimated cost (exclusive of VAT) of £132,749.10; and
(2) the issuing of the necessary instruction for Vodafone Ltd to proceed to C5 (implementation stage).

Reasons for the decision

Vodafone Ltd (“Vodafone’s”) apparatus, including ducts, chambers and fibre cabling will be directly affected by the Waterfront Infrastructure and Surrounds improvement works approved by Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee on 10th March 2026. Vodafone has confirmed, via the Specification of Alteration Works, that diversionary works are required under Section 84 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1992.
The following works are required across one location (Woodside Gyratory) to provide:
• Provide new telecommunications infrastructure connection and new chamber;
• Traffic Management and excavation/reinstatement; and
• New cabling to each affected circuit
Vodafone has issued a formal C4 Estimate with total costs as follows:
• Total Estimated Cost (ex. VAT): £132,749.10
These works are essential to avoid delay to the wider scheme programme and to maintain service continuity for telecommunications networks. The costs will be met by the grant provided for the Waterfront Infrastructure and Surrounds works. To de-risk the scheme it is considered appropriate that the works should be undertaken in advance of the construction phase to avoid programme delays which may compromise the delivery of the scheme.

Alternative options considered

1. Do Nothing – Rejected.
The construction works would conflict with existing buried Vodafone infrastructure, leading to significant risk of service outage and programme delays.
2. Re-design the Scheme to Avoid Vodafone Assets – Rejected
The extent and depth of existing telecommunications apparatus makes avoidance impractical without materially compromising the scheme.
Vodafone is the statutory undertaker responsible for its own infrastructure; diversion is the only feasible solution.