URL: https://wyre.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=786

Decision Maker: Resources Portfolio Holder

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Proposal to redevelop the current site to provide new staff and volunteer accommodation, adding a seagrass laboratory (using OFC funding) and making improvements to the visitor centre.

Content: The Assistant Director of Property & Development Projects submitted a report to seek approval for the proposed re-development of the buildings at Wyre Estuary Country Park (WECP) to provide new staff and volunteer accommodation alongside a new exhibition space and facilities for a seagrass propagation laboratory at a cost of £434,000 to be funded from the Investment Projects Reserve. Also, to seek approval for the provision of a solar array at an extra estimated cost of £20,000 and updated ICT infrastructure estimated at £10,000 both to be funded from the Investment Projects Reserve.   Decisions   The Resources Portfolio Holder agreed:   ·       That approval is given to allocate an estimated £434,000 (which includes a 10% contingency) for the capital works and associated professional fees for the redevelopment of WECP.   ·       That approval is given to allocate a further estimated £20,000 for the provision of a solar array to the new development and a further £10,000 for the new ICT infrastructure.   ·       That approval is given to appoint Blackpool Council Property Services to both undertake project management consultancy services and to procure a contractor for the proposed works outlined in this report (at a project management fee cost of £41,051 which is included in the £434,000) under the exemptions to Contract Procedures contained within the Financial Regulations and Financial Procedure Rules; firstly on the grounds that: ‘Exceptions may apply regarding the appointment of consultants, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, solicitors, barristers and other people providing professional services’ and secondly that: ‘Another public authority in the last twelve months has procured the same or predominately similar goods, works or services from the same supplier having undertaken a procurement procedure that complies with both that authority’s procedure rules for contracts of that kind and the Councils’.

Date of Decision: December 18, 2025