Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

This project proposes to commission an artist to make a proposal for an artwork, which celebrates the ‘Cambridge Rules’ and acknowledges the important role that these rules played in establishing the Football Association Rules in 1863.

 

This commission will also signify the importance of Parker’s Piece as the birthplace of football not only within the City of Cambridge, but both nationally and internationally.

 

The maximum budget for this commission is £115,000, which includes project management fees.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Public Places

Financial recommendation

       i.          Approved the commencement of this scheme, which is already included in the Council’s Capital & Revenue Project Plan (PR034d). The total cost of the project is £115,000 funded from developer contributions.

 

Procurement recommendation

     ii.          Approved the carrying out and completion of the procurement of the ‘Cambridge Rules’ Public Art Commission. If the quotation or tender sum exceeds the estimated contract value by more than 15% the permission of the Executive Councillor and Director of Finance will be sought prior to proceeding.

 

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 Project Delivery & Environment Manager.

 

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

 

       i.          This was an important project and the city needed to attract high calibre artists.

     ii.          Members of the public should like the piece of art when it is finally designed/made.

 

In response to Members’ questions the Project Delivery & Environment Manager said the following:

 

       i.          High calibre artists would not apply to an open tender, therefore artists would be shortlisted for invitation to submit works of art for consideration.

     ii.          Artists would be paid for the work submitted.

   iii.          £115,000 was allocated as a budget for the project. £12,000 of this was for officer costs. InSite Arts were acting as consultants free of charge.

   iv.          £9,000 had been spent on the art project to date. This would be paid from other funds and not be charged to the project budget.

    v.          Officers and the Executive Councillor for Public Places would shortlist four pieces of art. The public would be consulted on these items. The Executive Councillor for Public Places would make the final decision at a future Environment Scrutiny Committee based on consultation feedback.

 

The Committee resolved by 4 votes to 4 and on the Chair’s casting vote to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.