Professional services in relation to the design of Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections and related Construction Support Services - Award of Contract

The town of Hastings has been awarded £24.3m from the Government's Towns Fund programme. The aim of the funding programme is to drive the economic regeneration of Hastings to deliver long term economic and productivity growth through investment in urban regeneration, infrastructure and connectivity. The Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections project responds to the town deal vision and its key principles of improvements in health and well-being, and clean and inclusive growth. The scheme focusses on the Havelock Road and Harold Place corridor supporting the ease of movement from the rail station as a key gateway into the town, through the heart of the town centre and across the A259, which runs parallel to the seafront promenade, to the beach beyond. After a thorough options appraisal, a decision has been made to continue the services of Ove Arup & Partners Ltd who carried out Phase 1 of the project, as it gives the Council greater opportunity to deliver the project within the timescales set by the Government, as well as secure the gains made in relationships with key stakeholders and delivery partners. Following the Direct Award process outlined by the below Framework, they were provided a scope of requirements and asked to submit a proposal, through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS), Construction Professional Services Framework (RM 6165). The proposal fulfilled the Councils requirements and was within the framework pricing guidelines and the Councils budget. Although the contract value is fixed under Option A of the NEC 4 Professional Services contract, There maybe additional requirements at construction stage but these are impossible to estimate the value of/time required presently. Should they be required they will be handled via compensation events in the contract. They are included in the scope as potential future requirements.