Decision details

1. To enter into a Pre-Construction Service Agreement (PCSA) with the Preferred Contractor to deliver pre-construction services and activities for the Project at the former Monkscroft School Site.
2. Following completion of the PCSA services, and subject to the costs of delivery being within the approved budget envelope, approve the construction of 70 units of affordable housing, and associated development, by the Preferred Contractor at the former Monkscroft School Site in accordance with the planning permission.
3. To delegate authority to the Director of Construction, Properties and Assets in consultation with Cabinet Member for Housing, the Section 151 Officer and Director One Legal to agree the terms of and enter into the PCSA, the main construction contract with the Preferred Contractor and all other legal agreements or other documentation as may be required to implement or facilitate the development.

On 3^rd March 2020, Cabinet resolved to purchase the former Monkscroft School Site for the development of affordable housing to be owned by the Authority. It was noted that the Cabinet Member for housing has delegated authority to approve the number of dwellings to be provided and will authorise the award of contracts for the construction of the housing above £100,000.  The Council has purchased the site and planning permission has recently been obtained and to enable the Council to deliver The Monkscroft School project it is first necessary to enter into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with a third party to complete the required design development, surveys and other services. This will determine a fixed cost price for the development with reduced risks ahead of executing a JCT Design & Build Contract with a Principal Contractor.

A procurement exercise has taken place and following receipt of three compliant bids the preferred contactor was selected. This decision notice provides the relevant authority to enter the necessary contracts with the Preferred Contractor.

Once the services under the PCSA have been completed, the Council will have received fully designed and costed proposals and will then decide whether it will proceed with the construction of the development, Subject to budget approval, the Director of Construction, Properties and Assets in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, the Section 151 Officer and Director One Legal is granted delegated authority to proceed with the development and enter into the JCT D&B contract with the Preferred Contractor referred to in the attached tender acceptance report.

CBC officers determined that contracting with a third party would be lower risk and would provide the best value for money for the Council.  

The site and associated development proposals have been discussed at the overarching governance structure overseeing the CBC’s affordable homes programme, which includes the Strategic Housing Delivery Group (SHDG) and Cabinet Member Housing Working Group (CMHWG).

Procurement strategies have been discussed with the Affordable Housing Project Board, which is being reported to 3 times a year; Cabinet Lead and several members of the Leadership Team sit on that Board.

Further, Cabinet Lead for Major Development and Housing Delivery is briefed once a month, Senior Leadership Team 3 times a year, and full briefing to Leader of the Cabinet every month.

CBC identify the redevelopment of the Monkscroft school site as one of the key priorities for the council, and the appointment of the Design and Build Construction contractor is central to realising this aim.

The procurement exercise has been completed working closely with Publica Procurement and assistance from One Legal and legal firm Ashfords LLP

Regular reporting will continue via the current governance arrangements for new supply including the affordable housing project board, Cabinet/Council as required and discussions between CBC officers and senior management.