A report from the Director – Regeneration and Environment is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.2, agenda part one refers. Further information will be provided at the Cabinet meeting under restricted circulation. (Key decision – reference number 4241)
(Report No.4)
(9.00 – 9.15 pm)
(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).
Minutes:
Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director – Regeneration and Environment (No.4) providing details of the evaluation of each final tender against the published evaluation criteria.
NOTED
1. That Report No.2 also referred as detailed in Minute No.6 above.
2. That a super part 2 report was circulated at the meeting (No.4A) under restricted circulation and collected in again following consideration by the Cabinet.
3. The detailed evaluation of the three bids that had been considered, as set out in full in the report. Members were informed of all aspects of the bids and the reasons for the recommendations. The key risks identified in the report were discussed and how the risks were being mitigated as far as possible.
4. Councillor Sitkin outlined for Members the employment offer from Bidder A and how this would be of significant benefit to the Borough and local residents in both the creation of permanent jobs and construction jobs for Meridian Water. The financial benefits to the Council were highlighted as set out in the report.
5. Councillor Taylor invited Peter George (Programme Director) and the representatives of Trowers and Hamlins present at the meeting, to outline to Members the detailed process that had led to the recommendation before the Cabinet this evening and the detailed results arising from the Technical, Financial and Legal evaluations of the bids. Members required assurances on the robustness of the processes which had been followed and the issues of differentiation which had arisen in the evaluation of the three bids. The decision before Members this evening was significant and represented an important step forward in the realisation of the vision for Meridian Water.
6. Members were advised in detail of the procurement process which had been followed and the evaluated results. The procurement process had been fully compliant, robust, fair and transparent. The process had been based solely on the published evaluation criteria, as detailed in the report. Members noted the detailed evaluation criteria and the weightings that had been given to them.
7. The strengths of the bid received from Bidder A in all areas of the published criteria and evaluation undertaken were outlined to Members in full.
8. Members discussed the proposals for the potential retail mix within Meridian Water and the measures that could be undertaken in the establishment of the desired retail outlets. This area of the development would be subject to further discussions, Members would be encouraged to consider the medium to long term objectives for the area.
9. In response to questions raised, Members were advised of the implications of recommendations 2.2 and 2.3 in the report and the processes that would follow Cabinet approval this evening. Negotiations would continue with Bidder A until contract close, procurement guidelines would continue to be fully complied with.
10. Members further discussed the proposed job creation, the type of jobs anticipated and the potential opportunities for local residents. A range of stakeholders would be involved in moving forward.
11. The proposal to approve a reserve placed bidder. Members were advised of the reasons for this and the proposed timescales for the conclusion of contractual negotiations. It was anticipated that the development would be taken forward pending contract conclusion, as outlined to Members by Peter George (Programme Director).
12. In response to comments raised, a discussion took place on a number of positive aspects with regard to this area of the Borough and how the development would help to stabilise local communities and provide new opportunities for residents of all ages.
13. That an additional recommendation be added to the report as set out in decision 4 below.
Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.2, Minute No.6 above refers.
DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to
1. Approve the selection of Bidder A as the preferred Master Developer for Meridian Water and to approve Bidder C as the reserve placed bidder as confirmed in the super part 2 report.
2. Delegate authority to complete and sign all related contractual documents to the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development and the Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration in consultation with the Director of Regeneration and Environment and the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services.
3. Note that 2 above was subject to the final form of contractual documents including a provision to neutralise any negative impact on the Meridian Water revenue position.
4. Note that a further report updating the Cabinet on the Meridian Water Project, including on the negotiations of the final form of contractual documents, would be brought back to Cabinet by no later than March 2017.
5. Note that the Council would use all reasonable endeavours to assist and encourage the Local Planning Authority to expedite all planning applications received in respect of the Meridian Water Scheme which would include using all reasonable endeavours to assist in the preparation and execution of Section 106 Agreements where necessary.
Reason: As detailed in Report No.2, Minute No.6 above refers, and in section 7 of the report.
(Key decision – reference number 4241)
Supporting documents: