URL: https://moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6041

Decision Maker: Officer Delegated Decision

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Decision: To approve the appointment of Spetisbury Construction Ltd. Ltd. as the Main contractor for the refurbishment of (Former) Bridport Connect Building, Flood Lane, Bridport.

Content: Decision: To approve the appointment of Spetisbury Construction Ltd. Ltd. as the Main contractor for the refurbishment of (Former) Bridport Connect Building, Flood Lane, Bridport. Key Decision: Yes. (b)  Seen to be significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising two or more electoral wards in Dorset.   The demolition, ahead of later development, is in response to anti-social behaviour linked to the abandoned building. There is a corporate requirement for the demolition of the Bridport Connect Building, Flood Lane Bridport. The demolition is required to clear the site for future development of the Bridport Gateway project. The building has been the target for vandalism and a site for rough sleeping. Therefore, the demolition of the building will also reduce future risks to the Council and ready the site for the next phase of the main project. The main contractor was awarded following a competitive tender process through the Pagabo procurement framework which ensures value for money through an evaluation of quality (including health and safety), cost and social value of appropriately experienced supply chain partners.   Capital Programme for 2024/25 and was agreed by full Council on the 13 February 2024 (minute 75) with the funding then being carried through to 2025/26. Alternative options considered and rejected:   Option 1 – To award the demolition contract for the Bridport Connect Building to an alternative contractor.  The recommendation is to award the contract to Spetisbury Construction Ltd. on Option 2. They scored highest overall and offered the lowest price, at 10% above estimated value but still representing good value for money. They scored highest on the quality criteria and their responses provided enough confidence that they could manage and complete the project competently. There were no minimum score thresholds applied to any of the quality questions.   Spetisbury Construction Ltd. are an experienced contractor with a good track record of working on other Dorset Council projects without issue to us or third-party users.   Option 2 – To not award the demolition contract for Hardy House to A Hammonds & Sons Ltd. The Spetisbury Construction Ltd. tender return was considered by officers and external cost consultants / tender evaluators Currie and Brown to be the most economically advantageous tender return and provided the best value for money for the council.  The tender return was within the project budget.   Option 3 – To not proceed with the for Bridport Connect building demolition. This option would result in the council not taking forward action to would address antisocial behaviour in the area that is linked to a long term abandoned building owned by Dorset Council. The building would also attract ongoing security costs and overheads as well reputational damage to Dorset Council’s standing the community. None.   None.   None.  

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025