URL: https://democracy.blackburn.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1283

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   (1)  That following competitive tenders to progress designs and planning work with planning approval eventually obtained in November 2023, the appointment of OMI Architects and design consultants be noted.   (2)  That the two tenders received by the Council for the construction work following a competitive tender process, using the Council’s Growth Framework which concluded with Barnfield Construction Limited being the successful contractor, be noted.   (3)  That the appointment of Barnfield Construction Limited be approved.   (4)  That the total project cost of £8,850,000 to cover construction, fees, surveys, loose furniture and contingency be noted and that the included £800,000 costs to date be noted.   (5)  That the Council’s agreed financial settlement with Zurich of £3,750,212 for damage sustained during the fire in April 2019 be noted and that the balance after costs resulted in a sum of £3,540,000 set aside to progress the project be noted.   (6)  That it be noted that the Council received a grant of £4,000,000 from the Lancashire Combined County Authority towards the project.   (7)  That the £800,000 budget reallocation of the Government’s Pride in Place Programme (the former Levelling-Up Partnership Fund) from the Bridge House project, with the funding for Bridge House to be provided by Section 106 monies, with full details of the costs and funding for this project to be detailed in a report for a future Executive Board to consider in 2026, be approved.   (8)  That the Executive Board approves the transfer of £510,000 from the existing capital programme into the project as detailed below:   a. An underspent capital of £200,000 from completed demolition schemes within Growth and Development;   b. The remaining budget of £75,000 from the 2025/26 Development Investment Fund;   c. A budget reallocation of £235,000 from the 2026/27 Development Investment Fund.   (9)  That the total capital funding of £8,850,000 allocated for the project, with the majority of the funding sourced from a Government grant and a ring-fenced settlement payment from the insurance provider, be noted.   (10)        That the Growth Programme Director be authorised in liaison with the Deputy Director of Legal and Governance to finalise any contract terms of the contractor appointment.   (11)        That it be noted that the contractor would commence mobilisation in March 2026 following confirmation of appointment with works planned to commence summer 2026 with an 18 month build and fit-out programme with the scheme complete early 2028 and operational by summer 2028.   (12)        That it be noted that the amendment to the original planning approval will be required to account for changes to the scheme to reduce costs and will progress in parallel with the contractor mobilisation.    

Date of Decision: February 12, 2026