Decision details

To award a JCT Minor Works Contract with contractors design to Gloucester Demolition Ltd fpr a Demolition and Enabling Works contract for the site at 320 Swindon Road.  The site is to be redeveloped to provide 24 new homes.

The project comprises asbestos removal, demolition of the existing building, utility disconnections and hoarding works.  The contract is due to commence mid-March with a contract period of 3 weeks.

CBC completed the purchase of the site at 320 Swindon Road on 31cJanuary 2022, which will be redeveloped to provide 24 new homes.  There has been a long history of anti-social behaviour associated with the site prior to completion including arson attempts and incidents of breaking and entering.  It was considered prudent to propose to demolish the buildings and look to effectively secure the site perimeter with new timber hoardings as soon as possible after legal completion.  The main construction works are not due to commence until Autumn 2022.

An invitation to Tender for the Demolition and Enabling Works was posted on the InTend portal through Publica on Friday 21 January with returns due back Friday 4th February.  The stated selection criteria for the contract award was based on 80% cost and 20% on quality.  The evaluation process showed that Gloucester Asbestos Ltd provided the highest score.  Since receipt of tenders , we have concluded the required due diligence checks, with satisfactory references secured for Gloucester Asbestos Ltd and a Dun and Bradstreet credit check has indicated low to moderate risk.  The contractor will be paid in arrears for works completed on site, as certified by our project appointed Contract Administrator.

To delay the demolition works until a main contractor has been appointed – rejected on the basis that the site comprises redundant, derelict buildings, which have been subject to arson and incidents of breaking and entering.  Not to deliver the project – rejected as this is not in support of our Strategy and aim to deliver high quality new build housing in Cheltenham.

As outlined under consultees.

Consultation has taken place between CBC and CBH officers about the decision to bring forward the Demolition and Enabling works contract works for 320 Swindon Road.  Over recent months CBH have been contacted by the Police Community Support Officer and by Councillor Bernard Fisher and Councillor Mike Collins seeking urgent action to address the anti-social issues and to embark on the demolition. 

The site is covered under the CBC overall insurance policy but CBH and Publica have had discussions with the insurers about the site and without the prospect of imminent demolition there would be some concerns about providing insurance cover the site.