Councillor Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy, approved contract extensions for two significant council projects during a Cabinet Member Signing meeting. These decisions included an extension for the Broadwater Farm Northolt strip-out contract and the award of a technical advisor services contract for the Civic Centre Redevelopment Project.

Broadwater Farm - Contract Extension for Northolt Strip-Out Contract

Councillor Gordon approved an extension to the Northolt Strip-Out Contract by £794,655.00. This extension is necessary to cover additional works not included in the original scope, such as the removal of asbestos and mechanical plant, and to include the strip-out works for the adjacent Stapleford North Block, which is now expected to be vacated in time for demolition. The original contract sum was £725,345.00, bringing the total approved sum to £1.52 million.

The decision was made to ensure that the strip-out works for both blocks are completed before the main demolition programme, scheduled to commence between October and December 2025. This is crucial to avoid delays in the construction of 68 new homes on the site. Alternative options, such as programming the additional works as a standalone contract or including them in the main demolition programme, were considered but discounted due to potential delays and increased costs. The project is funded by the Broadwater Farm New Homes Programme and contributes to the Council's strategic outcomes related to climate emergency response, housing delivery, and placemaking.

Civic Centre Redevelopment Project - RIBA 5 and 6 Technical Advisor Services Contract Award

Councillor Gordon also approved the award of a contract for multi-disciplinary technical advisor services for RIBA Stages 5 and 6 of the Civic Centre Redevelopment Project. The contract sum is £717,100.00, with an additional client contingency to be managed under strict change control governance. A Letter of Intent up to £100,000.00 was also approved.

This decision is essential for the successful delivery of the project, which aims to restore and refurbish the Civic Centre and add a new annex building to meet the Council's core office accommodation needs. The technical advisor will protect the Council's interests by ensuring the contractor develops the works in accordance with the employer's requirements. Hawkins Brown Design Ltd had previously been appointed for the design up to the main contractor tender stage, and John Sisk & Sons Ltd has since been awarded the construction contract. A new commission for technical advisory services was required as the existing commission expires at the end of RIBA Stage 4. The chosen bidder met the Council's quality requirements and offered value for money. The project is designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of 'Outstanding' and aims to meet net zero carbon targets.