Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director – Highways and Public Protection

Further to Minute No. 102 of 4 January 2024, the Cabinet considered the report of the Assistant Director – Highways and Public Protection seeking approval to appoint Balfour Beatty, under the Scape Framework. to provide Early Contract Involvement in the development of the works information for Phase 2 of the Southport Eastern Access scheme with a view to a further appointment to deliver the works. The Southport Eastern Access scheme sought to deliver highway improvement measures at a series of junctions and links on the eastern approaches to Southport to improve access and safety for all road users to the town centre from the east. The Scape Framework allowed a contractor to be appointed during the scheme design and development stage. For this commission, Balfour Beatty would revise the previously completed Feasibility Report at no cost, followed by an Early Contractor Involvement stage during which a Target Cost was established and other pre-construction activities undertaken leading to a Contract to deliver the works. Balfour Beatty had been appointed to deliver Phase 1 of the works under the same framework.

Cabinet Members commented on the positive impact of the scheme on local employers.

Decisions Made:

That

(1)      the appointment of Balfour Beatty under the Scape Framework to update the previously developed Feasibility Report to focus on the delivery of the Southport Eastern Access Scheme Phase 2 at no cost to the Council, be approved;

(2)      authority be delegated to the Assistant Director -Highways and Public Protection, following consultation with the Cabinet Member – Housing and Highways, to award the Contract for Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) in the construction of Southport Eastern Access Phase 2 works to Balfour Beatty, subject to the Feasibility Input; and

(3)      authority be delegated to the Assistant Director -Highways and Public Protection, following consultation with the Cabinet Member – Housing and Highways, to award the Contract for the construction of Southport Eastern Access Phase 2 works to Balfour Beatty, subject to the Feasibility Input and ECI (above) referred to above.

Reasons for the Decisions:

With the Procurement Strategy adopted for Phase 1 having delivered strong outcomes and Balfour Beatty having a good knowledge of the works through both their engagement on Phase 1 and the Feasibility exercise, it was strongly recommended that they were appointed to deliver Phase 2, subject to successful  appraisal at the various stages.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The works could be delivered using a tendering process. This would introduce some further competition into the procurement process. However, the project planning would not have the benefit of contractor input until following the award of the contract for the works, thus increasing the risk of delay and claims. There was also the risk that contractors might choose not to tender due to current workloads. The tender appraisal process would also shorten the time available for construction and therefore increase the risk of the funds not being expended by the deadline.