Issue - meetings

(a)        That the progress made on taking forward the Ryecroft redevelopment scheme be noted.

(b)        That the Portfolio Holder’s decision to award the retail consultancy contract to Cushman Wakefield as the most economically advantageous tender be noted.

Members received a report advising them of the progress made in relation to the Ryecroft redevelopment scheme and in particular to advise of the results of a tendering exercise for retail specialist consultants.

The Council aimed to bring forward a comprehensive redevelopment of the Ryecroft area of the town centre, so assisting the Council to better shape the future development of the overall town centre  (and, in particular, to promote its long term economic prospects as a viable and attractive retail centre).

Both officers from Staffordshire County and the Borough Council were satisfied that value for money had been demonstrated through the competitive tendering of the service.  This meant that whilst the tender price of the selected consultancy was the most expensive, the qualitative evaluation of their submission resulted in them achieving the highest score.  Additionally it was noted that the brief for this commission required interested parties to submit fee proposals which demonstrated incentive to deliver a development partner.

The Borough Council’s contribution of 25% for the cost of this service would be met from the existing capital budget allocation for the Ryecroft scheme; the County Council would meet the other 75% of the cost as required by the Joint Venture agreement between the partners.

RESOLVED:   (a)        That the progress made on taking forward the Ryecroft redevelopment scheme be noted.

(b)        That the Portfolio Holder’s decision to award the retail consultancy contract to Cushman Wakefield as the most economically advantageous tender be noted.