Issue - meetings

The attached report by the Head of Housing and Property Services seeks permission to go out to tender and appoint a contractor to undertake planned maintenance works to 1-54 Grosvenor House, 2-20 (Evens) Warwick Crescent and 22-44 (Evens) Warwick Crescent.

The report also seeks permission to spend £3.1M to undertake works including external and communal decorations, re-roofing, new passenger lifts and lift shaft. The works are required to ensure the integrity of the buildings, reduce their on-going maintenance and improve the living environment for residents.

If approved, it is anticipated that the works could commence by April 2015.

RECOMMENDED that:

(1)  approval is given to tender the works based on an estimated budget of £3.1 million.

(2)  following a full tender evaluation authority to enter into contract with the preferred bidder is delegated to the Head of Housing and Property Services.

(1)  approval was given to tender the works based on an estimated budget of £3.1 million.

(2)  following a full tender evaluation authority to enter into contract with the preferred bidder be delegated to the Head of Housing and Property Services.

(TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF HOUSING &
PROPERTY SERVICES)

Steve Groves presented this report which sought approval to go out to tender for an estimated £3.1 million for the works to 54 properties at Grosvenor House and ten in each of the Warwick Crescent blocks  (there were no leaseholders within this scheme).  The project included the construction of a newly modernised lift tower, structural repairs, new roof,  decoration and relocation of bin stores as well as the reconfiguration of the entrance at Warwick Crescent and provision of emergency lighting.  He reported that there was a need to decant 14 properties; nine families had already moved out, with 80% of these remaining within the Somerstown area and half of these families had already opted to make their moves permanent they had been given the option to move back.  Consultation days and residents' open days had been held.  80% had indicated they were completely in favour of the renovations; some had expressed concern regarding the location of the lift tower.

Questions were then asked, firstly by Councillor Sanders regarding how properties would be allocated after the works had taken place and it was reported that tenants could go back to their previous properties if they wish as it was their residency.  Mr Bryant asked the cost of decanting and it was reported that there was a relocation allowance available to help compensate with the expenses involved with moving out and back where they wished to.

Councillor Wemyss as Cabinet Member stressed his regret that the Area Action Plan intention for green open space to be provided in the area through the Single Regeneration Budget had not been realised.  He felt this was the right time to undertake these works which represented the best option,  providing significant improvements to these substantial properties and the lifts were in need of expansion.  The scheme would provide decent homes for people in the city.

DECISIONS:

(1)          approval was given to tender the works based on an estimated budget of £3.1 million.

(2)               following a full tender evaluation authority to enter into contract with the preferred bidder be delegated to the Head of Housing and Property Services.