Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought permission to commence the award of the contract for the Principal Contractor for the refurbishment of the Gun Wharf Council offices.

Whilst this Gun Wharf Improvement Programme (GWIP) had come about due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Gun Wharf in October 2023, the scope had evolved beyond the remediation and repair of the building. It had evolved to encompass aspirations to redesign the interior of the building and transform the way the Council works, supporting Medway Council’s ambition to be recognised as an Employer of Choice.

The works would comprise the full refurbishment of all floors within Gun Wharf improving safety, compliance and accessibility. Delivery would be phased, with Phase 1 covering Levels 3, 4 and 5, followed by Phase 2 covering Level 2 and the basement (Level 1).

The refurbishment would recognise the primary role of Gun Wharf for the provision of services while also ensuring availability to the public. The works would include creation of a Council Chamber that could accommodate up to 100 Members which would help to make Gun Wharf suitable as a Council headquarters up to and beyond Local Government Reorganisation.

Exempt appendices to the report set out financial analysis in relation to the procurement and a Governance Framework for contract administration and control.

Reasons:

Apex Contractors Ltd overall provided a robust response to all the questions, which demonstrated they have an excellent understanding of the specification and expected outcomes for Gun Wharf. Evaluators all agreed that their bid was well written, with clear and concise answers that evidenced additional value and innovation over the length of the contract.