Decision

The appointment commenced on 24 July 2025 to support the urgent re-procurement and delivery requirements of the scheme. Owing to an administrative oversight, the required approval for the waiver and direct award was not obtained prior to commencement of services. This decision therefore regularises the appointment and expenditure incurred to date and authorises the continuation of services through the construction phase, practical completion and defects liability period.

Reasons for the decision

PPP has extensive knowledge of the project, its development history, programme requirements, contractual arrangements and funding obligations. This familiarity places PPP in the strongest position to provide continuity of service and support successful delivery through construction, practical completion and expiry of the defect’s liability period.

The appointment ensures continuity of professional support at a critical stage of project delivery and avoids the additional mobilisation costs, duplication of effort and delays that would be associated with appointing a replacement consultant. The Council considers that retaining PPP represents the most efficient and cost-effective option and will help mitigate risks to programme delivery.

Alternative options considered

The Council considered undertaking a competitive procurement exercise to appoint an alternative consultant. However, due to the relatively low contract value, the advanced stage of project delivery and PPP's existing knowledge of the scheme, this option was rejected. Appointing a new consultant would require a significant familiarisation period, create additional mobilisation costs, reduce efficiency and increase the risk of delays to project delivery. Accordingly, the direct award to PPP is considered to provide the best overall value for money and minimise delivery risk.