Issue - meetings

  Report HPR2023/035

The report presented the Libraries Works Programme and requested approval to proceed to tender for a consultancy team to scope the works programme and prepare the tender for the works contract.

In considering the report, a Member observed that no specific budget had been set for each building within the Library Works Programme scheme and queried whether this affected the previous allocation of £1M to Chislehurst Library.  The Assistant Director: Culture and Regeneration advised that the total budget for the Library Works Programme was £10.77M plus a £246k allocation from the Operational Property Review’s external consultancy cost budget.  No specific budget had been set for the buildings within the scheme to allow for maximum flexibility; however, it was anticipated that approximately £1M would be allocated to works at Chislehurst Library in line with the previous budget allocation.  In response to a query from another Member, the Assistant Director: Culture and Regeneration confirmed that refurbishment works at St Paul’s Cray Library were currently on schedule and delivering within budget.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1)  Agree to proceed to procurement for a consultancy team to scope the works programme and prepare the required documents for the subsequent works tender at an estimated contract value of £860k; and,

2)  Note the recruitment of a temporary two-year Project Manager to oversee the works programme at an estimated cost of £125k.