The Head of Regeneration Delivery presented the report of the Director of Regeneration and Place.

This report sought members’ approval to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Place to utilise the Procure Partnerships Framework to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced main contractor to develop the design and carry out the construction works in relation to two major schemes. These were the highways, public realm and active travel schemes across the Birkenhead Waterfront Programme and in Birkenhead Town Centre via the Conway Street / Europa Boulevard and Grange Road / Charing Cross / Grange Road West Movement Projects.

The project’s aim was to create an environment that is safe and attractive for both pedestrians and cyclists in order to support modal shift and address the environment and climate emergency. These infrastructure improvements would be a critical pump priming element to the ongoing regeneration plans for Birkenhead and contribute significantly to creating a platform for further investment.

Members queried the Procure Partnerships scoring in regards to social and environmental considerations and if consideration was given to local suppliers. The Head of Regeneration Delivery responded to confirm that there is a standard weighting in the procurement process  of 10% in respect of  social value waiting as well as consideration of environmental credentials. Members were also informed that the Council put emphasis on ‘meet the supplier’ days with a focus on employment and educations days. The Head of Regeneration Delivery  agreed to circulate to members the relevant criteria.

Resolved - that Director of Regeneration and Place be authorised to

(1) commence a procurement exercise by way of a mini tendering process via the Procure Partnerships Framework for the appointment of a main contractor to develop the design and carry out the construction works in relation to the highways, public realm and active travel schemes across the Birkenhead Waterfront Programme and in Birkenhead Town Centre via the Conway Street / Europa Boulevard and Grange Road / Charing Cross / Grange Road West Movement Projects; and

(2) appoint of a main contractor under a pre-construction services agreement following completion of a tender submission.