To appoint Auburn Group Limited to undertake the construction of an extension alongside the refurbishment of existing front of house areas and associated external works at the Cliffs Pavilion subject to statutory Standstill Period.

To put in place a main contractor to deliver the refurbishment of the Cliffs Pavilion, using a mix of external grant (Levelling Up Fund), prudential borrowing and third party partner funding.

A decision is required as a matter of urgency to ensure that works can start promptly and that grant conditions and deadlines are met. A programme delay to enable a report to Cabinet would significantly delay the start, and therefore completion, of the works risking the Council’s ability to draw down the external grant funding.

The Council considered other procurement route options including use of an existing Framework but this was discounted as it would reduce competition and limit opportunities for local supplier engagement.

A Restricted (Two Stage) tender process was considered but it was considered that this would not result in best value being achieved due to limiting engagement in the competitive stage.