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The Chair agreed to receive as an item
of urgent business the following report: Broadfield
Park Slopes Contractor Procurement.
 
The reason for urgency was that
contractor for the Broadfiled Park Slopes was to
be procured by the end of this month for the project
to remain on programme.
Additionally, delaying the start of
construction would push the programme later into the year,
extending the work into winter. This was particularly problematic
for this site, which was already high-risk due to the presence of
the spring line. Construction during winter months could lead to
further delays and increased costs due to weather-related
challenges and safety concerns.
 
This agenda item had not been included
on the 28 days’ notice of key decision. Hence, the Chair of
the Communities Regeneration and Environment (CRE) Overview and
Scrutiny (OS) Committee had agreed that this decision was urgent
and that it could not reasonably be deferred to the
next meeting of the Cabinet. The Chair of CRE OS had also agreed to
waiver the call-in period relating to this decision.
 
The Cabinet proceeded to give
consideration to the report of the Director of Economy and
Place which sought delegated authority to appoint the selected
contractor to undertake the work on Broadfield Park
Slopes, working in conjunction with STaR
Procurement.
 
The Project Manager, Rochdale
Development Agency, was in attendance to present the
report and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet
Members.
 
Resolved that delegated authority be
given to the Director of Economy and Place, in consultation with
the Director of Corporate Services, the Portfolio Holder for
Finance and Growth, the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and
Housing, as well as the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and
Environment to appoint the selected contractor to undertake the
work on Broadfield Park Slopes.
 
Reason for decision:
Broadfield Park Slopes was
a Grade II listed public park with significant cultural and
historical importance. The Slopes restoration project formed part
of the broader initiative to preserve and enhance heritage assets
within the borough, promoting tourism, improving environmental
sustainability, and fostering community engagement.
 
The project had been
divided into two phases to align with its funding structure.
Phase 2, fully funded by Rochdale Borough Council
(RBC), focused on the essential below-ground works to address the
site’s drainage issues and stabilise the Slopes. Phase
3, jointly funded by the National Lottery Heritage
Fund (NLHF) and RBC, would encompass the above-ground works,
including soft and hard landscaping, as well as the restoration of
Packer Spout and its fountain.
 
Given the nature of the works, the
project would be highly weather-dependent. To maximise its chances
of success and minimise potential delays, it had been
carefully programmed to take place over the spring and
summer months, when conditions were most favourable for
construction, landscaping, and restoration activities. This timing
would help ensure the highest quality outcomes for the restoration
of the Slopes.
 
To meet the deadline for work to
commence as planned in March 2025, the team was in the process of
evaluating the tenders. This involved thorough normalisation to
ensure a comprehensive assessment and the selection of the most
suitable contractor for the project.
 
Alternatives considered and
rejected:
Do Nothing: Not
recommended. Failing to restore the Slopes would perpetuate safety
hazards and diminish the park’s value as a community
asset.
 
It be noted that, the
Chair of the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and
Scrutiny Committee had agreed to waiver the call-in period for this
decision. This meant that the decision would be effective as soon
as it was published.