Decision details

This decision implements previous Cabinet approvals and continues the process of delivery of Phase 2 of OCH for the construction stage and the retail demolition.

The decision made on the 20th February 2025 to appoint BAM Construction as the design & build contractor for Phase 2 was implemented in March 2025 and taking into consideration the decision made on the 5th June 2025 BAM have been working with the Council and its delivery team of professional advisors during the preconstruction period to achieve Gateway 4, conclude the RIBA 4 design and provide the final construction contract sum.

This process is drawing to a close and under the approved delegated authorities set out in the Gateway 4 Cabinet report of 9th September 2025 the intention is to award the JCT construction contract to BAM.

Also, under delegations in the same Cabinet report the retail demolition is to be included in the Phase 2 construction contract.

The delegations are:

3.       Construction Partner, Phase 2, JCT Construction Contract

To agree to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Service Director Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Regeneration to make the decision to award the JCT construction contract and start works on site. If the award would exceed the Phase 2 Construction Budget then the matter will be brought back to Cabinet.

4.       Demolition Partner, Retail Demolition Contract

To agree to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Service Director Finance, the Head of Procurement and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Regeneration to make all necessary preparations to secure vacant possession of the Piazza Shopping Mall including serving notice on the remaining tenants and occupiers and ending all contracts, procure and then award the demolition contract and start works on site. If the award would exceed the Retail Demolition Budget then the matter will be brought back to Cabinet.

12       That authority be delegated to the Service Director – Legal, Governance and Commissioning to negotiate, agree, enter into all agreements and enter into and execute any documents necessary to enable the delivery of the Our Cultural Heart project to proceed.

These decisions are expected to take effect from the 24th April 2026.

To award the JCT construction contract for Phase 2 of Our Cultural Heart to BAM Construction and to include the retail demolition in the same contract.