Decision

The car park surface has deteriorated over time and is now uneven in several locations. The defects present potential safety hazards for both pedestrians and vehicles, including an increased risk of trips, slips, and vehicle damage. The condition of the surface can also detract from the overall user experience and may discourage use of the facility.
Following the procurement process, the contract for the resurfacing works has been awarded to F.L. Beadles & Sons Ltd, who will undertake the necessary works to provide a safe, level, and durable surface throughout the car park.
The resurfacing works form part of the ongoing maintenance and improvement programme for parking assets and are intended to extend the operational life of the car park while reducing future maintenance requirements.

Reasons for the decision

The decision to award the resurfacing contract to F.L. Beadles & Sons Ltd was made to address the poor condition of the existing car park surface and improve safety for all users.
Resurfacing the car park will:
Reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls caused by uneven surfaces.
Improve accessibility and ease of use for pedestrians and motorists.
Enhance the appearance and overall user experience of the facility.
Encourage greater use of the car park by providing a safer and more attractive environment.
Reduce ongoing maintenance costs and the need for reactive repairs.
Protect and extend the lifespan of the Council's parking asset.
The award of the contract represents an effective and proactive investment in the maintenance of the Council's infrastructure, ensuring the car park remains safe, accessible, and fit for purpose for residents and visitors.

Alternative options considered

1. Do Nothing (Rejected)
The option of taking no action was considered but rejected. The existing car park surface has deteriorated to the point where uneven areas and defects present an increasing safety risk to both pedestrians and vehicles. Choosing not to undertake any works would likely result in further surface degradation, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, falls, and vehicle damage complaints.
A do-nothing approach would also lead to a continued decline in the appearance and usability of the car park, potentially discouraging use and reducing customer satisfaction. In addition, deterioration of the asset would likely result in higher future repair and replacement costs, making this option neither responsible nor sustainable from an asset management perspective.
2. Patch Repairs (Rejected)
Undertaking localised patch repairs was considered as a lower-cost alternative to full resurfacing. However, an assessment of the condition of the car park identified that defects are widespread rather than isolated, meaning that patch repairs would only provide a short-term solution.
While patch repairs may temporarily address the worst affected areas, they would not resolve the underlying deterioration of the overall surface. This approach would likely require repeated maintenance interventions over a relatively short period, resulting in increased disruption to users and higher cumulative maintenance costs. Consequently, patch repairs were considered poor value for money and less cost-effective over the life of the asset than a comprehensive resurfacing scheme.
3. Alternative Contractors (Rejected)
Alternative contractors were invited to tender as part of the procurement process and were assessed against the Council's evaluation criteria, including cost, technical capability, relevant experience, quality of submission, programme of works, and overall value for money.
Although other bids were received, F.L. Beadles & Sons Ltd achieved the highest overall evaluation score. The alternative contractors scored lower against the agreed assessment criteria and therefore represented a less advantageous option for the Council. Awarding the contract to F.L. Beadles & Sons Ltd ensures the Council receives the most economically advantageous tender and demonstrates compliance with procurement requirements while delivering the best overall value and quality outcome.