The Director of Regeneration and Place has awarded the contract to undertake the works to construct a play area, at Fender Way, Beechwood  Ground Inc. Ltd over a 32-week contract length (taking into account defects period), within approved budget and as the highest scoring tenderer in accordance with the most economically advantageous criteria.

The Beechwood  Estate does not currently benefit from an open access play area, and the location of the new facility adjacent to an existing wheel park and fitness equipment will provide a local play/activity hub.

£150,264 of  funding has been agreed as the Flagship scheme from The Big Local (Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside) (Big Local) wider allocation to the Beechwood Estate and such funding has been accepted by the Director of Finance.  The project has been developed in partnership with local residents and associations  and was initially to be delivered in 2 phases with Big Local providing the initial funding of £100K for phase 1 and additional funding sought for phase 2.  Phase 1 was to provide a fenced play area with 5 items of play equipment including a multi-play unit, swings, roundabout, seesaw and springer.  However, after further discussion and in consultation with Big Local it has been agreed that the best use of their available funding would be to increase the allocation and carry out both phase 1 and 2 of the scheme and provide additional items outside this fenced area providing increased play opportunities for a wider range of ages and abilities. 

The cost of the works will be fully met by the £150,264 funding from The Big Local.  Maintenance costs have been offset by a package of agreed replacement parts for the play equipment which will be purchased as part of the funding, future costs will then be met from existing resources.  This contract is for the construction of a Play Area on Fender Way, Beechwood and is to commence subject to contract on 19th September 2024.

A full procurement exercise was undertaken involving 5 companies with extensive knowledge and experience of Play Area Construction. 

The commission of the services detailed in this report have been undertaken in accordance with the Public Contact Regulations 2015 and the Councils Contract Procedure Rules. The award of this contract is being made on the most economically advantageous criteria.

 basis.

There is a risk that expected time scales may not be met due to weather and site conditions. Ground Inc. Ltd is an experienced contractor with  a track record of delivering play area projects. Works will be carefully managed and co-ordinated to achieve the delivery and minimise any delays.

Appendix 1 sets out the details of the tenders received along with costings for the contract. Appendix 1 contains exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. It is in the public interest maintain the confidentiality of Appendix 1 pursuant to Paragraph 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).’

The Council has received Funding to provide a play area on the Beechwood Estate. The funding can only be allocated for this provision as per the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the funder and the Council.  If  not allocated the funding will have to be paid back to the funding body, therefore not proceeding with an improvement programme was not a realistic option. Ground Inc. Ltd  as the most economically advantageous tenderer has priced the required bill of quantities and, once awarded an agreed programme of works will be undertaken.