Report ES19042

It was proposed to upgrade cycle parking at Kent House Station, Penge to increase the quantity and quality of cycle parking on the station approach side of the station.

The existing cycle stands would be removed and replaced with two sets of 24 covered two tier racks either side of the station entrance, providing a total of 48 cycle parking spaces. The spaces would be monitored by high quality CCTV controlled by Southeastern Railways with enhanced lighting to improve safety and security.

Cycle parking at the station is already well used and the project compliments the Greenwich to Kent House Cycleway that will terminate at the station. The project should also increase numbers cycling in the area and be delivered alongside construction of the Cycleway (intended for completion by late summer 2019).   

As part of managing the project, Southeastern Railways have recommended project award to Lockit Safe, the cheapest of three supplier bids on a price per space basis. Officers support the recommendation and the sum paid to Southeastern includes the price charged by Lock it Safe with an amount to Souheastern for project management fees and small improvements to lighting, CCTV and signage to the facility. A small contingency is also included in the project. In managing procurement and delivery, Southeastern will provide regular updates to L B Bromley.

Portfolio Holder approval was sought to award a £33k contract (expected project cost) to Southeastern based on exemption to competitive tendering under the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules - the value being within the Chief Officer’s delegated authority, subject to Portfolio Holder approval for the project. The station forecourt, as site for the cycle parking, is the responsibility of Southeastern, leased from Network Rail. Although a Council transport infrastructure investment, the works need to be managed by Southeastern as leaseholder including procurement to deliver the project. 

The expected project cost of £33k will be funded from the TfL Public Transport Interchange & Access programme.

Members were advised that the current cycle parking offer is not high quality and not secure. The new provision would be more sheltered. Increased demand for cycle parking can also be expected in view of the nearby Cycleway to be delivered. Although Cycleways should be able to attract cyclists, there is no intention to introduce 20 mph speed limits to accommodate Cycleways. 

It was highlighted that Cllr Kathy Bance MBE (Penge and Cator) fully supported the project.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve:

(1)  the proposed new cycle parking at Kent House Station Approach; and

(2)  award of contract to Southeastern Railways, via an exemption to competitive tender, for £33k funding to complete the project.