Decision

To proceed with the direct
appointment of WW Martin as the main construction contractor for
the conversion of the single storey extension of the former
Probation Centre offices, in line with their cost
submission.

Reasons for the decision

On the basis of the cost
information provided and the quantity surveyor (QS) verification of
value for money, and taking into account the potential costs of the
significant delay to the project and impact this will likely have
on the Council’s homelessness budgets, this decision has been
taken because it represents the most prudent approach in the
circumstances.
 
This will be a non-compliant
award as the procurement of WW Martin has not been subject to
competitive tender, however their price submission has been
robustly verified against the specification of works and industry
norms by the Council’s cost consultant and is below the RIBA
stage 3 cost projections and within the approved budget.
 
As it is non-compliant, this
officer decision has been published to support the
instruction.

Alternative options considered

A full tender exercise could
have been undertaken but this would have added a potential lengthy
duration to the process at a time when the pressure of moving RISE
out of the premises they were in and progressing this complex
conversion did not afford time. With planning permission granted in
September 2025 it was not felt that any further time could be lost
waiting on a process that could have reasonably been expected to
take a minimum of a further three months. Delays would have
resulted in RISE having no direct access accommodation available
for rough sleepers and no basis for the team to operate
from.