URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6288

Decision Maker: Assistant Director: Property and Investment

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Assistant Director of Property and Investment has approved that Scheidt & Bachmann (UK) Ltd (Company Number 03805576) be directly awarded a contract to the value of £131,749 via the ESPO Framework 509_23 Parking Management Solutions; Lot 2 – Pay on Foot Solutions to undertake the replacement of Car Parking Equipment at the Pyramids Car Park, Borough Road and The Grange Car Park, Conway Street. The decision is required because the existing parking equipment at both car parks is failing, approaching the end of its economic life, and generating frequent operational issues that place income at significant risk.  Jones Lang LaSalle Limited (JLL), the property management company responsible for the management of the car parks, has undertaken a detailed site review and has recommended instructing Scheidt & Bachmann, the incumbent operator who has full knowledge of both sites.   There have been delays in progressing the recommendation and continued delay would risk losing card?payment capability altogether, which currently represents around 50% of all income.  The equipment does not meet current Banking Clearing standards, meaning card transaction support could cease at any time and card payments would no longer be accepted, severely reducing revenue and increasing operational disruption.   Replacing the system now, via direct award, will protect annual income of £356,555 and more than £1.78 million over five years (based on 2025 figures), while also reducing running costs by at least £48,000 over the same period. Continued system failures at The Grange (Conway Street) car park already result in barriers being lifted and daily revenue lost. The proposed expenditure is £131,749, excluding operational and licensing costs which are existing obligations and not part of the replacement cost. Replacement is therefore essential to secure financial stability, maintain service continuity, and safeguard critical income streams for Wirral Borough Council.   The award will be supported by a formal contract, which will be prepared by the Council’s legal team in due course.   The decision made accords with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and the Public Contract Regulations 2015. Continuing with the existing equipment is not a viable option due to repeated failures, rising maintenance challenges, and the imminent loss of card payment capability, which would significantly reduce revenue.    Sourcing alternative providers to S&B via a full competitive process would introduce further delays at a point where system failure presents an immediate risk to income generation and functionality.   Another alternative was for the Council to internally resource the oversight of the project. Given current capacity constraints, JLL’s Building Consultancy team has confirmed they can provide project management services if required, ensuring continuity, technical knowledge, and delivery at pace.    A further option considered was delaying replacement until wider strategic decisions on car park management are made.  However, this was discounted due to the severe and immediate financial risk associated with ongoing equipment failure and loss of payment functionality.   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 Assistant Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply.   Background Papers   Quotation JLL Recommendation Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and the Public Contract Regulations 2015

Date of Decision: May 11, 2026