Decision

The Interim Director of Capital Programmes has approved the award of a contract to Krol Corlett Construction Ltd for building works to Birkenhead Priory to enhance public access to the Refectory, including installation of a lift, making the site more accessible and improving the visitor experience renewal for a 33 week contract term with a contract price of £169,086.23 as the highest scoring tenderer in accordance with the most advantageous tender criteria

Reasons for the decision

The Birkenhead Priory scheme forms part of the wider Birkenhead Waterfront Programme and is funded through the Local Regeneration Fund.

Access improvements works are required at Birkenhead Priory as follows:

• Installation of a passenger lift; and
• Accessibility improvements to enhance the visitor experience.

Works regarding external lighting to St Mary's Tower aligned with the Waterfront Wayfinding Lighting Strategy are expected to be instructed separately and do not form part of this decision.

A detailed specification of requirements for the access improvement works was issued on 13 May 2026 to suppliers and a tendering exercise was undertaken. 5 completed tenders were received. The bids were evaluated having regard to the most advantageous tenderer criteria as detailed in the exempt Appendix 1, with the following weightings Price 50%, Quality 40% and Social Value 10%.

Krol Corlett Construction Ltd was the preferred tenderer, scoring the highest having regard to the evaluation criteria.

The project is funded fully via the Local Regeneration Fund allocation. The total grant allocation for the access improvement project and St Mary’s Tower scheme combined is £353,430; of which £59,395 has been spent to date, to progress the design and planning applications.

The procurement of external project management support and internal staff costs associated with this project will not be funded via the Local Regeneration Fund grant.

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

An alternative scheme considered in 2023 by the Priory Steering Group was not progressed due to limitations in improving accessibility.

A revised approach was approved through a formal change control process in 2024.

The current proposal reflects ongoing design development within the Council and provides the most effective solution to improve access and visitor experience.