The Executive Director (Development) has submitted a report to seek approval for a works contract to refurbish/repair the Gasworks Pipe Bridge situated between Friars Wharf and Baltic Wharf; delegated authority to award a contract; and approval of the spend of identified funds for the contract.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.     Grant project approval to award a contract for the refurbishment/repair of the Gasworks Pipe Bridge;

2.     Recommend to Council the approval ofa virement of £1.82 million from the existing stock condition budget to fund the works to the Gasworks Pipe bridge, including reimbursement of c£185k feasibility cost incurred to date; and

3.     Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Development), in consultation with the Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management and the Head of Financial Services/Section 151 Officer, to award the contract for refurbishment/repair of the Gasworks Pipe Bridge to a successful tenderer following the completion of the competitive and compliant tender process described in this report.

The Executive Director (Development) had submitted a report to seek approval for a works contract to refurbish/repair the gasworks pipe bridge situated between Friars Wharf and Baltic Wharf; delegated authority to award a contract; and approval of the spend of identified funds for the contract.

Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) – Finance and Asset Management reported that due to safety issues the bridge had been closed for quite some time, causing inconvenience and disadvantage for communities living on both sides of the river.  A significant amount of work had been required in order to achieve a way forward which would allow the bridge to be reopened: this had involved a complicated process of negotiation and consideration of civil engineering solutions.  However, a process was now in place which should enable a contractor to be commissioned to undertake the works required, with the aim of the bridge being re-opened next summer.  Local ward members had been kept apprised of the situation, and, as the works had been anticipated, appropriate financial provision had also been made.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Grant project approval to award a contract for the refurbishment/repair of the gasworks pipe bridge;

2.    Recommend to Council the approval of a virement of £1.82 million from the existing stock condition budget to fund the works to the gasworks pipe bridge, including reimbursement of c£185k feasibility cost incurred to date; and

3.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Development), in consultation with the Deputy Leader (Statutory) – Finance and Asset Management and the Head of Financial Services/Section 151 Officer, to award the contract for refurbishment/repair of the gasworks pipe bridge to a successful tenderer following the completion of the competitive and compliant tender process described in the report.