URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6163

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Interim Chief Executive has approved the extension of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement contract with John Sisk & Son Limited by a term extension of 6 months to June 2026 at an no additional contract cost.    A Pre-Construction Services Agreement has been entered into between the Council and John Sisk & Son Limited from May 2024 to December 2025 with an estimated contract cost of £1.35million.  The extension of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (“PCSA”) with John Sisk & Son Limited for a further six months is required to maintain continuity and progress on the Birkenhead Waterfront project. The initial cost plan received during the period of the current PCSA highlighted significant budget pressures, prompting a comprehensive review of scope and submission of value engineering options. To implement these changes effectively, a re-design of key elements is necessary.  Extending the PCSA will allow sufficient time for this redesign, incorporation of value engineering measures, and development of an updated cost plan to ensure the project remains deliverable within the approved financial envelope and strategic objectives. There are no additional financial implications arising from this decision beyond those already approved within the existing PCSA budget. The extension will be managed within the current financial provisions allocated for the PCSA. The timeline for the PCSA as extended is as follows:   January – June 2026 – Re-design period to incorporate scope changes and value engineering options. March 2026 – Interim cost review and design freeze June 2026 – Final cost plan submission and preparation for main works contract award.   This matter affects Birkenhead and Tranmere Ward and is not a Key Decision.   An Alternative option would be to not extend the contract and allow the current PCSA to expire; directly procure the design team to complete RIBA Stage 4 designs; and re-procure a main works contractor. The impact of this would be significant delay to the programme, a high risk of increased costs due to market inflation and loss of continuity with the current contractor.   This is not considered to be an appropriate option given that significant funding has been secured from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Local Regeneration Fund and there is a requirement to defray this by March 2028.  The Birkenhead Waterfront project is critical to the delivery of the regeneration programme and the Birkenhead 2040 framework.   The decision has been taken under Part 3 Section C - Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers as the decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply.   Background Papers   Birkenhead 2040 Framework.  

Date of Decision: December 24, 2025