The Chief Executive has decided to approve the urgent demolition of Building 4015 at the Port of Ramsgate due to health and safety risks posed by asbestos-containing materials.

URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5382

Decision Maker: Chief Executive (CEx)

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek urgent approval for the demolition of Building 4015 (the old Departure Lounge) at the Port of Ramsgate due to the deteriorated condition of asbestos containing materials within the building. Following a recent site inspection and confirmation of the building’s poor condition, specialist advice determined that full demolition of the building is the safest and most cost-effective solution. The report outlines the background, risks, and financial implications to support the need for immediate action and exemption from the standard call-in period.

Content: The purpose of this report is to seek urgent approval for the demolition of Building 4015 (the old Departure Lounge) at the Port of Ramsgate due to the deteriorated condition of asbestos containing materials within the building. Following a recent site inspection and confirmation of the building’s poor condition, specialist advice determined that full demolition of the building is the safest and most cost-effective solution. The report outlines the background, risks, and financial implications to support the need for immediate action and exemption from the standard call-in period. The Chief Executive agreed the following:   That the decision meets the criteria of Special Urgency as per paragraph 19 of the Council’s Procedure Rules;   That the urgency of this decision on health and safety grounds necessitates a waiver to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules;   To approve the key decision to direct award a contract with a value of approximately £250k for the demolition of Building 4015 at the Port of Ramsgate; and   To approve a one-off General Fund capital budget virement of £350k, transferring funding from the ‘Relocation of Port Workshop’ capital scheme to a new scheme for the ‘Demolition of Building 4015 (the Old Departure Lounge). A 2018 asbestos survey confirmed the presence of asbestos within Building 4015. Following a partial ceiling collapse identified during a routine Health and Safety inspection in March 2025, there are serious concerns that asbestos may have been disturbed. The building has since been sealed off to prevent exposure. Given the significant health and safety risks, ongoing structural deterioration, and advice from specialists, full demolition has been identified as the safest and most cost-effective solution. Prompt action is required to eliminate the risk of asbestos release and manage the liability of an unsafe structure on council-owned land. Do Nothing – The option to do nothing is not considered viable. The building's continued deterioration would present health and safety risks to the public and will lead to further complications. Failing to address the problem now also exposes the council to financial risk from potential claims for damages or increased future costs to resolve the issue.   Removal of Asbestos Only – The cost of the removal of asbestos alone has been estimated at £120k. However, due to the asbestos being located within the fabric of the building, it is anticipated that once it is removed, the structure would be left unsafe. The building would continue to deteriorate, presenting further health and safety risks.  Furthermore, removal of asbestos alone would need to be accounted for as revenue expenditure, as it does not provide the scope for a wider scheme that adds to the service use or potential of the building and therefore could not be capitalised. As such, this option would present a revenue pressure on the port budget.   In this context, undertaking both asbestos removal and full demolition represents better value for money.    Full Procurement for Demolition Works – As noted above, the deterioration of the building has highlighted the urgency of its removal. Undertaking a full procurement process would extend timeframes, leaving the Council exposed to ongoing risk due to the building’s current condition.   Key Decision Approval and Call-In Period – As outlined above, the urgency of the demolition means that following the standard key decision route, including the call-in period, would delay the commencement of works.

Date of Decision: June 19, 2025