URL: https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1115

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council, Managing Director

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED that:   A    Hill Partnerships Limited (Hill) be appointed under the Pretium Framework, Herts, Beds and Bucks Development Services Lot 4 as main contractor to deliver the delivery of the Harlow Arts & Cultural Quarter, encompassing Block ABC mixed-use development (ex-Occasio House site) and Block E (Playhouse extension) and associated public realm for a sum not exceeding £41.8 million.   B    Up to £7.2 million be ringfenced from earmarked reserves to support the financing of the proposed scheme. Furthermore, notes that the financing of the scheme is reviewed regularly and any alternative approaches to reduce the call on earmarked reserves will require a further decision in line with council governance procedures. To deliver the Building Harlow’s Future mission to ‘Rebuild our town and the outcome to “Build the Arts & Cultural Quarter and establish Harlow as a cultural capital.” The council has already undertaken market testing with a view to bringing forward the scheme, however this exercise concluded with no contractor being appointed, due to delays during the evaluation and subsequent expiry of the chosen framework.   If the delay and expiration of the framework had not occurred, a recommendation to appoint Hill Group under that exercise would have been sought; this report seeks appointment via a lawful and market tested framework mitigating risk to programme delivery and the external funding awarded by Government.   The council progress further procurement processes, but given market conditions, costs would likely be higher than those currently proposed and ultimately, the programme would likely not meet the Government requirements and therefore, the grant funding lost which would result in the scheme not progressing and the spend to date being met by the council.  

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025