Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions from the public under Rule 4j Public Speaking at Meeting Procedure Rules

No questions had been received.

To receive and, if approved, adopt the recommendations from the meeting of Cabinet held on 23 November:

(a)   Swan Walk Car Park Works – contract award and budget allocation (report of the Cabinet Member for Local Economy & Place is available at:      Agenda Item 11)

Councillor Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Local Economy & Place, explained that a further capital budget was needed to enable a contract to be awarded to the winning bidder so that the works to the top deck of Swan Walk carpark could be completed.  After the September Cabinet meeting, when it was agreed to award the contract for the urgent works, removal of the top deck membrane had exposed an unexpectedly large area of screed in need of repair. The previously approved budget was no longer sufficient for the amount of work required. 

A contract needed to be awarded to the winning bidder so that further work could be carried out quickly to prevent further deterioration of the substrate and possible deterioration of the concrete structure.  The Cabinet Member advised that the contractor was ready to start the work as soon as the budget was approved.  It was noted that work could not be undertaken in very cold weather for technical reasons. 

The Cabinet Member stated that this matter had been discussed extensively both at Overview & Scrutiny Committee and at the Local Economy & Place Policy Development Advisory Committee.  In response to questions raised regarding technical details officers had produced briefing notes and clarified matters that had been of concern.

The motion was seconded by Council Mark Baynham, Cabinet Member for Finance & Assets, who stated that, as well as compromising the structure of the building, a delay in works would result in a significant loss of parking revenue.

RESOLVED

That a further capital budget amount of £298,845 is approved to enable the contract to be awarded to the winning bidder.

REASON

i)        To enable the award of the contract to the winning bidder which will facilitate the completion of the Works.

(ii)      It is expected that the total value of the project will be £648,845 and therefore, Council approval is required to award this contract.