Issue - meetings

The appendix to the report contains exempt information during which the public is likely to be excluded from the meeting subject to determination by the Scrutiny Committee following consideration of a public interest test. This exclusion would be made under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

Matter for Decision

The report presented the outcomes of the design and procurement scheme at Mandela House for the Office Accommodation Strategy. It outlined the capital funding requirements of the scheme and the proposals for award of contract. The additional funding requirements related to essential maintenance requirements at Mandela House.

It was essential to progress the Mandela House project in order to meet the timescales to vacate Hobson House by 31 March 2018.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources:

     i.        Approved the scope of the refurbishment schemes, subject to approval of Capital Funding by Council, for Mandela House.

    ii.        Recommended to Council the additional capital funding for the scheme which would be funded from reserves.

   iii.        Subject to the agreed funding from Council approved the award of Contract for Mandela House and furniture as described in the exempt appendix 1.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Estates.

The Committee made the following comment in response to the report:

     i.        Commented that the amount of money being invested into Mandela House queried whether it was the intention for it to be used by the council for a long time. Asked what the officer view was on the length of time that they were likely to be based there.

The Head of Estates and Facilities said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The work carried out on Mandela House would have a minimum life span of ten years. There was no guarantee that the council would continue to base itself at Mandela for ten years but the improvements gave the council time to make future decisions. The refurbishment also added value to the building in the event that a decision to sell or let was made.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor stated that the ruling group was committed to retaining the Customer Service Centre at a city centre location which Mandela House provided especially as it is close to the bus interchange area, and approved the recommendation.