The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 28 May 2024 approved the award of a construction works contract for urgent condition works at Muswell Hill Library. The meeting also approved an increase to the project and programme budget.

Muswell Hill Library Contract Award

The meeting approved the award of a contract to Niblock (Builders) Ltd for urgent condition works at Muswell Hill Library. The decision was made to award the contract for £1,189,835.20, with an additional client construction contingency to be managed under change control governance arrangements. A Letter of Intent up to the value of £118,983.42 was also approved. Furthermore, an increase to the project and programme budget was approved.

The need for a new contractor arose after the previous contractor, Diamond Build Plc, entered voluntary liquidation in January 2024. Diamond Build Plc had been awarded the contract in June 2023 for £1,044,428.64, with works commencing in July 2023. By January 2024, approximately 26% of the works were completed, and the project was already behind schedule.

Niblock (Builders) Ltd was chosen as the replacement contractor. They had previously tendered for the Muswell Hill Library works in 2023 and had recently successfully completed works at Highgate Library. The report highlighted a positive relationship with Niblock (Builders) Ltd, built on quality, collaboration, trust, and respect. A direct award to Niblock (Builders) Ltd was deemed the most expedient route to restarting works and returning the library to operational use, which had been closed since July 2023.

The scope of works includes condition and compliance works such as rewiring, fire alarm, intruder alarm, and heating repairs. It also encompasses the construction of a new extension with an accessible lift and staircase, internal redecoration, new furniture, upgraded ICT facilities including enhanced WiFi and self-service options, new signage, and an extended CCTV system. These improvements aim to create a modern, accessible library space that meets the needs of the community and partners, aligning with the Council's objective to foster an inclusive library environment and contribute to a culturally rich borough.

Consideration was given to alternative options, including doing nothing, which would leave the building unsafe and unusable. Value engineering and de-scoping options were also considered, with a potential saving of £5,000 being explored through value engineering the lighting system. Novation was discounted due to time and contractual negotiations, and a competitive tender was initially discounted due to concerns about attracting bidders and potential higher costs. A direct award via the Major Works Framework was also discounted due to potential impacts on resourcing and timely delivery if too many contracts were awarded through this route.

Councillor Pippa Connor attended the signing and it was clarified that there would be no changes to the build or design of the project. For future tenders, officers indicated they would seek further financial information from contractors. The new contractor is expected to be on site from early July, with completion anticipated by February 2025, allowing for the library to reopen in early April 2025.

A minor discrepancy was noted in the minutes regarding the tender value, with Part B of the report stating £1,189,835.20 and Part A stating £1,189,834.20. The total contract award including contingency as noted in Part B was confirmed as correct. The contract is to be awarded to Niblock (Builders) Ltd, not Niblock (Builders) Group.