Decision

The Assistant Director: Chief Regeneration Officer has approved the appointment of Buro Happold Limited to deliver the Liscard Regeneration Programme – Public Realm Improvements Design Consultancy, as the highest scoring tenderer in accordance with the most economically advantageous tender criteria, following a mini procurement exercise conducted under the CCS Construction Professional Services 2: RM6356 – Lot 1: General Infrastructure Framework, with a contract term until 31st March 2028 with a total contract cost of £225,586. 

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.

A detailed specification of requirements for the required services was issued on 22nd June 2026 to suppliers a setting out the following requirements through a mini tendering exercise conducted pursuant to the CCS Construction Professional Services 2: RM6356 – Lot 1: General Infrastructure Framework as follows:

·  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

3 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 30%, Quality 70% and Social Value xx%.

Buro Happold Limited was the preferred tenderer, scoring the highest having regard to the evaluation criteria.

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 cost to deliver RIBA 3 and 4 is £152,312.50. RIBA Stages 5-7 are to be delivered on time and material basis; therefore a £50,000 provisional sum allocation is required for that process. In addition, the following sums are required for fixed priced surveys £15,129 / provisional sum surveys £8,145.  The total cost to progress the scheme through detailed design, tender preparation, and provide delivery support is £225,586

The commission will be funded via the Council’s Local Regeneration Fund, and this funding was approved by the Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee on 19 January 2026.

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

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.