Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 21, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 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.