Issue - meetings

1.    That a supplementary estimate of £250,000 for works to the Buttercross be approved, funded from the Council’s Property Reserve.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Asset Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, to enter into revised contract arrangements with the appointed specialist contractor, Stonewest Ltd.

3.    That the Scheduled Monument Emergency Works Notice issued by Historic England and the requirement to undertake the works without delay be noted.

Councillor Tod introduced the report, explaining that the additional expenditure required only became apparent when closer inspection of the historic monument became possible when scaffolding had been erected.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Lee and Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised below.

Councillor Lee

Councillor Lee supported the preservation of the medieval monument but expressed concern regarding the substantial project cost increase. He questioned why structural defects were not identified during routine inspections and sought assurance that revised cost estimates had been independently validated to ensure value for money. Highlighting the impact of prolonged scaffolding on local businesses and tourism, he requested clarification on the legal requirements of the works and the potential for uninsured liability. Finally, he suggested that the council should adopt proactive maintenance reviews for all heritage assets to avoid reactive and costly future liabilities.

Councillor Horrill

Councillor Horrill welcomed the restoration progress of the Buttercross as an important district asset but expressed concern regarding the project management process. She questioned how initial estimates could be so inaccurate and sought an explanation for why preliminary studies failed to identify the structural failures discovered once scaffolding was erected. While supporting the necessity of the investment, she called for more accurate advance information regarding project risks and potential scope to ensure better financial oversight in the future.

Councillor Tod and the Corporate Head of Asset Management responded to the comments made including confirming that full records of the repairs undertaken would be maintained which should assist with estimating any future repairs or maintenance required.

It was suggested that some of the photographs provided in the report be displayed around the site boarding and the Corporate Head agreed to investigate the feasibility of this suggestion further.

Cabinet also thanked the Winchester Town Forum Heritage Group for their work with council officers and Historic England in promoting the restoration required.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out in the report and outlined above.

RESOLVED:

1.       That a supplementary estimate of £250,000 for works to the Buttercross be approved, funded from the Council’s Property Reserve.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Asset Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, to enter into revised contract arrangements with the appointed specialist contractor, Stonewest Ltd.

3.       That the Scheduled Monument Emergency Works Notice issued by Historic England and the requirement to undertake the works without delay be noted.