Content

RESOLVED:
 
1. 
To Approve the appointment of Supplier A (as shown in
Exempt Appendix A) to deliver the works contract for the West
Reservoir Improvement Project. The scope of the project includes
improved accessibility around the reservoir, the development of the
existing building and construction of a new cafe, improved leisure
facilities and the enhancement of habitats for wildlife. The
anticipated construction period is approximately nine months,
therefore if the contract commences in May 2025 it will be
completed by Spring 2026.
 
Reasons For Decision
 
1. 
This report requests the approval of CPIC to award the contract to
deliver the West Reservoir Improvement Project, improving the
facilities and access around the reservoir.
2. 
The Council has long recognised the impact that sport and physical
activity can have on the achievement of its vision / priorities and
since 2005 has made improvements to both the quality and operation
of its sport and leisure facilities.
3. 
However, we are now at a watershed in terms of having to make some
decisions about how the facilities will continue to meet the
demands and expectations of the community, within the context of a
growing population and reducing resources.
4. 
The future of the Council’s sport and leisure provision has
been re-evaluated over recent years, given the expected population
growth, increasing customer expectations and age and condition of
the leisure buildings. The review process adopted an integrated
approach towards the Council’s leisure facilities that sought
to:
5. 
Improve the quality of provision to ensure it continues to meet the
demands and expectations of the community;
6. 
Remove barriers, improve access and increase participation;
7. 
Improve the financial and environmental sustainability of
provision; and
8. 
Identify opportunities to attract inward investment to fund the new
or improved sport and leisure provision.
9. 
West Reservoir was built in 1833 to purify the New River water and
to act as a water reserve for London. The former filter house, now
set out as a visitor and watersports
centre with a café, was built in the 1930s. The site has
historical significance, but has been underused and at the
reservoir’s southern and eastern edge has been completely
inaccessible to the public.
10.The Council is committed to
providing more green spaces for residents to enjoy, as well as
helping to enhance and protect biodiversity. The Council wants to
make West Reservoir a site that is more accessible and better used
by the community, whilst enhancing its environmental sustainability
and maintaining its uniqueness.
11.Benefits Realisation is not
applicable as this is a new procurement for a stand-alone project.
However, lessons learned from having delivered several large scale
projects in the Leisure, Parks and Green Spaces Services will be
adhered to. One example of a lesson learnt is to fully involve the
Parks Operations Team during the development and delivery of the
landscape design so that their requirements with regards to
management and maintenance are met once the project is completed
and the site is handed back for operation use.
 
Alternative Options
(Considered and Rejected)
 
1. 
The option of doing nothing was considered and rejected. The West
Reservoir Improvement Project has been identified as a priority by
the Council, as reflected by the capital funding that was allocated
to the project in 2022/23 and 2023/24. In addition, GLA funding of
£700,000 has been secured and not proceeding with the project
would result in this being lost.
2. 
The option of utilising a framework to appoint the Landscape
Contractor has been considered, however no suitable framework for
the proposed hard and soft landscaping works was identified.