The meeting of the Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action was scheduled to discuss the award of a construction contract for the HIF1 Didcot to Culham River Crossing scheme. This significant infrastructure project aims to improve connectivity and support housing and employment growth in the region.

HIF1 Culham River Crossing Construction Contract

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the approval and authorisation for the award of the Stage Two NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract for the HIF1 Didcot to Culham River Crossing scheme to John Graham Construction Limited. This contract is a crucial part of the wider HIF1 programme, which is designed to enhance transport links between Didcot and Culham, alleviate traffic congestion, and facilitate the development of over 12,655 new homes and substantial employment opportunities across the Science Vale.

The report pack indicated that the Cabinet Member was recommended to delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Highways to award the contract. This delegation would be subject to the agreement of the target cost, the programme for the works, the finalisation of contract terms, and confirmation that sufficient funding is allocated. Additionally, the Director would be delegated authority to enter into a Works and Access Agreement with FCC Environment UK Limited concerning land at Sutton Courtenay, and a two-party Overbridge Agreement and a Restoration Agreement with Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited.

The Didcot to Culham River Crossing scheme involves the construction of a new road connecting the A4130 at Didcot with the A415 at Culham. It includes a bridge over the River Thames and another over a private rail siding, with connections to Appleford and Sutton Courtenay. The project is funded through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) grant, supplemented by council capital allocations, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP), and Section 106 contributions. The report highlighted that the timely award of this contract is essential to maintain programme momentum and ensure the expenditure of the Homes England grant within the agreed timeframe of March 2028, thereby avoiding potential withdrawal of funding. The scheme is also noted as a fundamental enabler of the Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan and the Science Vale Transport Strategy, supporting both housing delivery targets and employment growth.

The procurement strategy involved a competitive tender under the Crown Commercial Service Construction Works and Associated Services Framework. The contract is structured in two stages: detailed design and construction. The report indicated that the estimated cost for construction is approximately £151 million, with the target cost yet to be agreed. The decision to award the contract was conditional on sufficient funding being allocated, posing no financial risk to the authority at the time of the report.

The report also detailed legal implications, including the Council's role as highway authority under the Highways Act 1980. It outlined the agreements to be entered into with FCC Environment UK Limited and Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited, which relate to land access, construction over a private railway siding, and the restoration of a wetlands area.

Sustainability implications were also noted, with the scheme supporting the Council's Climate Action Framework through promoting modal shift, active travel, and reducing congestion. The design includes biodiversity enhancements and carbon reduction measures. Social value commitments from the contractor are expected to include creating local employment opportunities, minimising the carbon impact of construction, and supporting local communities.

The current programme overview indicated that the main contractor was expected to enter into contract in May 2026, with main construction works scheduled from May 2026 to October 2028. The report also outlined risk management strategies, with a total risk allowance of £8.775 million for the scheme, addressing potential issues such as inflationary pressures and statutory undertaker delays. Extensive public and stakeholder consultation had been undertaken, with ongoing communication planned through enewsletters and website updates.

The meeting was also scheduled to include standard procedural items such as declarations of interest, questions from County Councillors, and petitions and public address.