To appoint the consultant team for the High Street Accelerator Green Space Scheme as set out below:

(a) To enter contract with Playle and Partners LPP (company number OC317809) for the provision of Cost Consultant and Contract Administrator consultancy services. The services have a total cost of £26,850.00 plus VAT (including 10% contingency).

(b) To extend the existing contract with DSDHA Ltd (company number 04282335) for the provision of architectural services to include RIBA Stage 5 construction. The services have a total cost of £10,850 plus VAT (including 10% contingency).

The appointment of the required services are necessary to progress the project through to delivery, including satisfying the terms of the external funding secured.

Not to appoint this company: The selected consultant was selected through a Request for Quotation process, demonstrating suitability and value for money. Five bidders were invited and four returned quotations.

Not to appoint at this time: Delaying appointing to this key role in the project team would negatively impact on the Council’s ability to manage risk attached to the capital project. A contract administrator is a crucial role under the Building Contract.

Not to appoint an external consultant: a contract administrator should be an independent and unbiased party between the Council as the Employer and the Main Contractor. There is not sufficient capacity from a sufficiently qualified and experienced cost consultant within Council teams to be resourced to the project.

Not to progress the project: this would forfeit significant government funding and the opportunity to address important local issues, and could impact on the Council’s access to central government regeneration funding in the future.