Issue - meetings

Councillor Horrill introduced the report and stated that the proposals were supported by the Coitbury House Advisory Panel (one of three Advisory Panels established by the Cabinet (Central Winchester Regeneration) Committee).  The City of Winchester Trust had been a member of the Panel and provided useful advice, in addition to helpful contributions from RIBA.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Thompson addressed Cabinet and in summary welcomed the proposals to refurbish Coitbury House and bring the building back into use.  She suggested that the potential use of local architects’ practices be investigated when seeking submissions.  The availability of the refurbished office would provide a test of the market for such accommodation in Winchester.

The Chairman responded that advice had been sought from the City of Winchester Trust and RIBA in deciding which architects to contact, having particular regard to proven experience with refurbishing buildings, rather than their location.  Cabinet noted that paragraph 11.1 stated that there was a significant shortage of grade A office space in Winchester.  The intention was for Coitbury House to be refurbished to a high standard to meet this demand.

Cabinet noted a minor correction to Appendix A of the report as bidders would be expected to present submissions on 23 November 2018.

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

RESOLVED:

1.         That the proposed strategic brief for architectural services be approved, as set out in Appendix A of the report.

2.         That the Head of Programme be authorised to make minor amendments to the strategic brief if required.

3.         That the Head of Programme, in consultation with the Leader (with Portfolio for Central Winchester Regeneration) and the Corporate Head of Asset Management be authorised to appoint the architect as set out in the report and any cost consultants, Structural and M&E Engineers and other professional consultants required for the works set out in the report be appointed in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9.2.

4.         That the quotation for architectural services be evaluated on a 40/60 price/quality split as set out in the report which deviates from the Contract Procedure Rules 9.1(d) and authority be given to the Head of Programme in consultation with the Leader to agree the evaluation criteria for the appointment of an architect.