Purpose

Approval is sought to appoint Balfour Beatty
contractor to deliver pre-construction services and early works for
the Leigh Port Redevelopment project. This will include key
deliverables such as procurement of major packages and site
compound requirements, temporary works design, site access
planning, development of the construction programme, health and
safety compliance, liaison with stakeholders and statutory bodies
as required and completion of essential surveys before
construction. These activities will ensure site readiness for main
construction starting in October 2026.

Reasons for the decision

1. The Leigh Port Regeneration
Project requires approval to commence pre?construction and early works to enable
main construction to commence in October 2026.
 
2. The project has moved
through design and value engineering and now needs the Principal
Contractor in place to lead programme development and to discharge
Principal Contractor duties under CDM 2015. This will include
taking responsibility for temporary works planning and associated
procurement, undertaking necessary surveys, as well as engaging
with the wider supply chain to secure accurate pricing for the main
construction works.

Alternative options considered

To appoint a new Principal
Contractor. This option was rejected to
maintain continuity and avoid abortive work. The current Principal
Contractor has already undertaken key activities, including
buildability reviews, initial supply chain engagement, construction
programming, and cost planning. They have also supported value
engineering, contributing to a reduction in overall project costs.
Appointing a new contractor at this stage would duplicate effort,
require revalidation of existing work, and introduce delays and
additional costs, making it inefficient and impractical within the
programme timeline and available budget.