Approval has been granted to initiate the procurement process for refurbishment works at Abbey Lane Children's Centre, with an estimated pre-tender budget of £920,000. This decision was made by Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services, and allows for tenders to be invited for the works.

Refurbishment Works at Abbey Lane Children's Centre

Approval was granted to begin the procurement process for refurbishment works at Abbey Lane Children's Centre in Stratford. The estimated cost for these works is £920,000, with an additional contingency of £188,000. The refurbishment is necessary to ensure the building meets current regulatory, safeguarding, and accessibility standards, enabling its formal designation as a Family Hub under the Department for Education (DfE) programme.

The project aims to transform the centre into a modern, welcoming space for families. The scope of works includes refurbishing the reception area and external entrance, redesigning and upgrading the training room and toilets, and remodelling the first-floor staff area. External works will involve replacing defective flooring, installing additional drainage, creating a basketball area, and improving the pond area with health and safety considerations.

Funding for the refurbishment will come from a combination of sources: £767,000 from the Council's Building Renewals and Improvement Programme, £250,000 in grant funding from the DfE for Family Hubs Capital Transformation, and £14,000 from Section 106 Carbon Offset Funding.

The procurement process will involve inviting six contractors to competitively tender for the works via the Council's Oracle Fusion system. The evaluation criteria will be weighted at 70% for price and 30% for quality. This approach is intended to ensure value for money and compliance with procurement rules. The decision to enter into a works contract will be delegated to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing.

This project aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan 2022-2026, which prioritises investment in children and young people, and the Well Newham initiative, aiming to create a healthier borough. The refurbishment is expected to increase the centre's utilisation and enhance its offerings, including the addition of a basketball court and a clinical room. The works are also designed to be inclusive, ensuring accessibility for all residents.

The decision to approve the procurement process was made by Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services, and is subject to a call-in period ending on 28 May 2026, with implementation possible from 29 May 2026. The decision record can be found in the Decisions 20th-May-2026 Officer Key Decision.pdf.