Commissioning of feasibility design work for St Michael’s Street public realm, including surface levelling.

To commission LDA Design to lead a multidisciplinary team to undertake design development, engagement activities, and full cost preparation for St Michael’s Street public realm improvements, including surface levelling, following an open tender process.

The commission budget is up to £30,000 and will be paid for from the Council’s strategic Community Infrastructure Levy pot.

This decision enables preparation work to be undertaken which will establish the public realm opportunities for St Michael’s Street. The council will then understand the costs and other practical issues to address in implementation, with a view to implementing any approved scheme as soon as is practicable afterwards.

Undertaking this feasibility work in 2022 is aligned with the recently agreed City Centre Action Plan, as it looks to support hospitality sector recovery and improve the public realm. The Council ran an open tender process from 27 June 2022 until 19 July 2022. LDA Design’s proposal scored highest, based on price, their understanding of the brief, project team, proposed methodology and approach to social value.

The option not to procure feasibility design work was rejected due to the poor surface condition and restrictive layout of St Michael’s Street and consequently the restrictions this places on accessibility and public realm improvements.

Seven other bids were submitted. Proceeding with any of the other bids would not have achieved best value for money for the council.

Decision taken by Carolyn Ploszynski, Head of Regeneration and Economy in consultation with Councillor Imogen Thomas, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice.