URL: https://reigate-banstead.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1243

Decision Maker: Head of Place Delivery

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Back Ground: In November 2021, Executive approved the Merstham Recreation Ground project. As part of that decision, Executive approved £1.6m of funding for Phase 1 works and authorised the Head of Place Delivery, in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery, to amend the scope of works to provide additional improvements if further funding was secured. A further £1.83m was subsequently secured, and a number of related officer decisions have been taken under delegated powers to amend the scope of the project. The additional agreed works included improvements to the existing grass pitches. These improvements formed part of the Council’s commitment through its planning submission and the subsequent Secretary of State decision, as mitigation for the loss of a football pitch. The Council will be improving pitch drainage and to do this, will be installing a new lateral drainage system. A restricted tender process was undertaken for the works and five companies submitted tenders. Following evaluation of the bids, Blakedown Landscapes was identified as the preferred contractor (see annex 1). The Executive decision authorises the Head of Place Delivery, in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery, to award, finalise, sign and execute construction contracts relating to the project. This officer decision records the exercise of that delegated authority in relation to the grass pitch improvement works. Consultation: The decision has been taken in consultation with the Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services, the Executive Member for Greenspaces and Environmental Sustainability and the Chief Finance Officer in accordance with the approved scheme of delegation and the Council’s financial procedures. Reason for Decision: The contract award is required to complete the remaining grass pitch improvement works at Merstham Recreation Ground, including drainage improvements to the retained pitches. A compliant restricted tender process has been completed and Blakedown was identified as the preferred contractor. The decision enables the Council to deliver the final element of the approved project under the delegated authority already granted by the Executive.

Content:

Date of Decision: June 1, 2026