This decision forms part of the wider Milton Road and Victoria Street schemes, approved by Cabinet as part of the Local Regeneration Fund programme.
Additional intrusive ground investigations are required to support the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) stage and to inform detailed design development, particularly in relation to foundation solutions and ground conditions.
The requirement for further borehole data has been identified through design and risk review, with existing information insufficient to fully mitigate belowground risks.
Undertaking these works will reduce uncertainty, support buildability and enable a more robust scheme with greater cost certainty.
It has not been possible to carry out this investigation previously as demolition of the derelict building was awaited.

To approve the appointment of Soiltechnics Ltd to undertake additional intrusive ground investigations, comprising borehole drilling, trial pits and associated geotechnical testing, at the site of the demolished 20 Victoria Street, at a total cost of £10,294.00 (excluding VAT).

The investigations are short-term enabling works and will be completed ahead of any potential Local Government Reorganisation milestones. No impacts are anticipated.