Decision details

To instruct TR Scaffold Ltd to installation a ‘Crash Deck’ below high risk RAAC panels (specifically to the area directly above Teaching Pool)

The Teaching Pool, Splashpad and School Change areas are currently closed on the advice of structural engineers following a survey carried out at the Recreation Centre to identify the presence of RAAC within the structure. The survey highlighted that some of the RAAC panels identified were in too poor a condition to allow the Recreation Centre to operate as normal due to the unknown structural stability of the panels within the roof structure.
Following consultation with The Cheltenham Trust a closure was agreed in order to allow remedial work to commence within the critical (high risk) areas highlighted above. In order to prevent a prolonged closure the normal procurement route could not be adhered to. Therefore, Property informally spoke with several Scaffolding Contractors in specific relation to the structural engineers requirements for the high risk RAAC panels above the teaching pool, namely the provision of a ‘crash deck’. Contractors were invited to tender based on the structural engineers drawings and specification, requesting commitment that they could deliver within the timescale and were prepared to work alongside other Contractors.
TR Scaffold were the only Contractor who showed an interest in undertaking the specialised works within the timescale and advised they has previous expertise in this area. The Property Team have worked with TR Scaffold for a number of years in relation to structural scaffold supports located in the wetside basement at the Recreation Centre. They have an excellent knowledge of the site and structure and the Property Team have found them to be diligent, competent Contractors.

To carry out a full open tender exercise, this would require closure of the entire wetside area of the facility for at least 6 months which would have had a detrimental impact on the income stream of the Operator. Therefore this option was discounted in favour of a rolling programme with an experienced Contractor having previously demonstrated an excellent reputation for delivery.

Consultation and permission sought from Gemma Bell, Director of Finance & Assets