Decision details

To determine the preferred procurement option for taking the project forward and consider options for taking the demolition programme forward.

1.    A public procurement programme be progressed in accordance with the public contracts regulations (2006) (as amended) by way of a Competitive Dialogue process to secure a development partner to deliver regeneration of the New Walk Centre site and the procurement of a demolition works contract.

2.    To add the procurement of a development partner to redevelop the New Walk Centre site to the 2013/14 procurement plan.

3.    To add the procurement of a demolition contractor to the 2013/14 procurement plan.

The Council are due to vacate the New Walk Centre (NWC) buildings (due to their poor structural integrity) and site by end of June 2014. This releases the NWC site for potential redevelopment in conjunction with the adjacent Marlborough House site.

Following a soft market testing exercise and the engagement of external expert advice, a workshop has been conducted to determine the most appropriate delivery route for the project.

The council is now in a position to procure both a development partner and demolition contractor to progress the development.

In accordance with contract procedure rules and Public Contracts Regulations 2006, both schemes require addition to the procurement plan to proceed to compliant OJEU procurement.

Procurement options are detailed at 2.2 of the report.

Demolition options are outlined at 2.3 of the report.