Decision Maker:

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 3, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   1.  To Approve the appointment of Supplier A (as shown in Exempt Appendix A) to deliver the works contract for the West Reservoir Improvement Project. The scope of the project includes improved accessibility around the reservoir, the development of the existing building and construction of a new cafe, improved leisure facilities and the enhancement of habitats for wildlife. The anticipated construction period is approximately nine months, therefore if the contract commences in May 2025 it will be completed by Spring 2026.   Reasons For Decision   1.  This report requests the approval of CPIC to award the contract to deliver the West Reservoir Improvement Project, improving the facilities and access around the reservoir. 2.  The Council has long recognised the impact that sport and physical activity can have on the achievement of its vision / priorities and since 2005 has made improvements to both the quality and operation of its sport and leisure facilities. 3.  However, we are now at a watershed in terms of having to make some decisions about how the facilities will continue to meet the demands and expectations of the community, within the context of a growing population and reducing resources. 4.  The future of the Council’s sport and leisure provision has been re-evaluated over recent years, given the expected population growth, increasing customer expectations and age and condition of the leisure buildings. The review process adopted an integrated approach towards the Council’s leisure facilities that sought to: 5.  Improve the quality of provision to ensure it continues to meet the demands and expectations of the community; 6.  Remove barriers, improve access and increase participation; 7.  Improve the financial and environmental sustainability of provision; and 8.  Identify opportunities to attract inward investment to fund the new or improved sport and leisure provision. 9.  West Reservoir was built in 1833 to purify the New River water and to act as a water reserve for London. The former filter house, now set out as a visitor and watersports centre with a café, was built in the 1930s. The site has historical significance, but has been underused and at the reservoir’s southern and eastern edge has been completely inaccessible to the public. 10.The Council is committed to providing more green spaces for residents to enjoy, as well as helping to enhance and protect biodiversity. The Council wants to make West Reservoir a site that is more accessible and better used by the community, whilst enhancing its environmental sustainability and maintaining its uniqueness. 11.Benefits Realisation is not applicable as this is a new procurement for a stand-alone project. However, lessons learned from having delivered several large scale projects in the Leisure, Parks and Green Spaces Services will be adhered to. One example of a lesson learnt is to fully involve the Parks Operations Team during the development and delivery of the landscape design so that their requirements with regards to management and maintenance are met once the project is completed and the site is handed back for operation use.   Alternative Options (Considered and Rejected)   1.  The option of doing nothing was considered and rejected. The West Reservoir Improvement Project has been identified as a priority by the Council, as reflected by the capital funding that was allocated to the project in 2022/23 and 2023/24. In addition, GLA funding of £700,000 has been secured and not proceeding with the project would result in this being lost. 2.  The option of utilising a framework to appoint the Landscape Contractor has been considered, however no suitable framework for the proposed hard and soft landscaping works was identified.