URL: https://preston.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1332

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Resources

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Amounderness House is a key project being delivered by the Council under the Towns Fund Investment Programme under the ‘Renewal of Harris Quarter Assets’ scheme and involves the refurbishment and conversion of the heritage building into a managed office facility. There have been several reports to Council over the last few years, the most recent report in December 2024. The report set out the latest overall cost position on the Amounderness House project and seeks an additional increase in the project’s budget, under delegated decision powers to the Cabinet Member.

Content: Decision Taken   That the Cabinet Member for Resources     (i)         Approved a virement of an additional sum from the capital programme scheme as set out within section 4.13, thereby increasing the Council’s total funding contribution as set out in para 3.8 of the report.   (ii)        Noted the revised overall budget for the Amounderness House scheme as set out within para 3.8 of the report.      Reason for Decision   This increase in the net funding contribution from the Council and associated increase in the project’s budget will enable the scheme to be progressed and enable it to be delivered within the timescales for the Towns Fund Programme.  The building’s transformation will make a significant new contribution to the City Centre offer, support the small business sector and growing experience economy. It will make the City Centre more desirable as a place to visit, spend time, work and live.   Alternatives Considered and Rejected   Option 1 – Do Nothing                     This was rejected.  If the scheme was not brought forward within these timescales, then, the cost would increase further as the contractor will not hold its prices, and the external  Towns Fund grant could be affected.             Option 2                     Do not secure the additional Council funding - This was rejected as this would mean that the scheme design would require further changes which would delay the scheme further.  

Date of Decision: October 3, 2025