Minutes:
Mr Tom McConnell (Senior Contracts Manager—FM Conway Ltd) attended to update the working group on this item. The Chairman noted that FM Conway was the Term Contractor appointed to take developments forward. “Term Contractor” was a reference to the fact that FM Conway had made an initial contract bid for a designated period with an estimated bid for that period which had been accepted. This arrangement had previously worked well for a similar project at Orpington. FM Conway would be working closely with Julian Lewis (East Architects) in order that the designs that had been drafted by East would be brought into reality. FM Conway would progress the design to the next stage, ironing out any perceived problems in the process. Mr McConnell distributed designs that FM Conway had worked on with respect to work undertaken in Bromley North.
A discussion unfolded concerning the previous work undertaken at Bromley North, and problems that had emerged concerning cables and water pipes. The problems that had been discovered were solved by close partnership working with the water company, and there were no delays in completing the work. Mr McConnell informed the Group that in Beckenham, ground penetrating radar would be used to locate pipes and cables, thus avoiding a repeat of the problems that had been experienced in the Bromley North development. Attention was drawn to the fact that in Bromley North, carriageway reconstruction had been required, but this would not be required for the Beckenham Town Centre Development.
Mr Nick Goy commented that he was not happy with aspects of the previous project at Orpington, and it was asked if Mr McConnell had been working on this project. The answer to this was affirmative, circa 2005. The Chairman gave Mr McConnell the opportunity to comment on this. Mr McConnell responded that the problems that had been experienced on the Orpington project were to do with buses continually stopping, and with faulty materials. Lessons had been learnt from this project, which meant that FM Conway were in a good position to ensure that the same problems did not recur.
Cllr Stephen Wells enquired as to the timescale involved in getting a final sign off for the price and design of the Beckenham Town Centre Development. It was anticipated that the sign off would take place in 5-6 months time. After this, the final project details and budget would be referred to LBB’s Executive to sign off the budget.
Mr Goy, expressed confusion in terms of what the specific design was now. He felt that comments were made by Group members at each presentation, but it was often unclear which aspects actually changed as a result. The Chairman noted that the Group would be looking at design materials later in the meeting. It would be the Portfolio Holder for Renewal and Recreation that would make the final decision concerning materials.
Marie Pender (West Beckenham Resident’s Association) asked what the budget was, as there was a 13% shortfall previously. It was noted that the budget was initially costed at £3.25m, but the latest revised costing was £4.6m. LBB were in ongoing discussion with TfL to cover any shortfalls. LBB were in discussions with Network Rail concerning upgrades to Beckenham Junction Station. LBB could use National Stations Improvement Funding to resurface the forecourt of the station, along with Section 106 monies. The Chairman praised Mr Munnelly for successfully accessing a range of funding sources. Mr Munnelly commented that the scheme was of good quality, and was achieving the required objectives.
The Section 106 funding earmarked for the improvements on Beckenham Green (tap with drainage, improved electricity, stage cover and storage) had been assumed into the Major Scheme. Mr Munnelly confirmed that the Beckenham Green Improvement Project would be implemented under the Major Scheme.
It was noted that FM Conway would be dealing with all drainage and electrical issues, and that in total the Major Scheme consisted of twelve different sub designs.
It was RECOMMENDED that Mr McConnell report back to the Working Group at a future meeting.