Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 25, 2025

Purpose: The procurement and award of a contract to a skilled, experienced and qualified contractor is required for the Walpole Coast Protection, Coping Replacement project to be completed. The project is 100% grant funded capital works to replace a dilapidated section of sea wall between Hodges Gap and Newgate Gap. The estimated value of the contract will be £1m.

Content: Cabinet agreed:   1.  The key decision to award a contract with a value in excess of £250k, and up to the value of the Environment Agency grant of £1,169,000 to the successful bidder, following a procurement exercise for capital works to replace a dilapidated section of sea wall between Hodges Gap and Newgate Gap;   2.  That the Director of Environment, having sought advice from legal services, agrees to the final terms of any contract award and signs the contract with the successful bidder.

Reasons for the decision: A grant with a value of £1.169m has been secured to undertake the construction phase of the Walpole Coast Protection project. The project is 100% grant funded and does not require additional funding from the Council.   The construction scheme objectives are to stabilise the existing sea wall structure and replace some sections to ensure its continued serviceable life. The absence of this project would eventually lead to a significant reduction in protection afforded to the cliffs by the sea defences to the point that the frontage would be undefended.

Alternative options considered: Cabinet considered whether it should not approve expenditure on this project. This option was dismissed on the basis that it would likely result in withdrawal of the grant offer leading to a failure to deliver this capital scheme and a continuation of the increasing flood and erosion risk at Cliftonville.