Purpose

A detailed specification of
requirements was issued in October 2023 and a tender exercise
undertaken. Five bids were received with Ground Inc Ltd meeting the
necessary requirements and being the lowest priced bidder (tender
evaluated on 90% price weighting and 10% social value
weighting).
A full procurement exercise was
undertaken involving 5 companies with extensive knowledge and
experience of carrying out play area refurbishment
projects.
The contract is for a period of
4 weeks and the existing play equipment in a poor condition will be
removed and replaced. The refurbished play area meets the LEAP
standard (Local Equipment Area for Play)
and the equipment has been selected to give the most play value and
also to be as accessible as possible to all. Seating and bins will
be provided and the site will also be
fully enclosed with fencing and 2 No. self
closing gates for access.

Decision

The Director of Neighbourhood Services agrees
to award a contract to refurbish Arrowe Park play area to Ground
Inc Ltd. This will be for a period of 4 weeks and is due to
commence subject to contract in January 2024.

Reasons for the decision

A detailed
specification of requirements was issued in October 2023 and a
tender exercise undertaken. Five bids were received with Ground Inc
Ltd meeting the necessary requirements and being the lowest priced
bidder (tender evaluated on 90% price weighting and 10% social
value weighting).

A full procurement exercise was undertaken involving 5 companies
with extensive knowledge and experience of carrying out play area
refurbishment projects.

The contract is for a period of 4 weeks and the existing play
equipment in a poor condition will be removed and replaced. The
refurbished play area meets the LEAP standard (Local Equipment Area
for Play) and the equipment has been
selected to give the most play value and also to be as accessible
as possible to all. Seating and bins will be provided and the site will also be fully enclosed
with fencing and 2 No. self closing
gates for access.

Alternative options considered

The Council has Capital funding to carry out
essential health and safety works to replace individual items/
refurbish our play areas that have reached end of life. The
existing play area at Arrowe Park needs a full refurbishment as
most of the current equipment has had to be removed because it was
in a poor condition and was a hazard to children. We have had a lot
of resident and Councillor complaints regarding the missing play
equipment and the play area covers a large catchment area,
bordering Greasby, Frankby and Irby ward, Upton ward and Pensby and
Thingwall ward, therefore not proceeding with an improvement
programme is not a realistic option. The lowest bidder has priced
the required bill of quantities and once awarded an agreed
programme of works will be undertaken.