Decision

The Director of Inclusive Regeneration and Climate Action has decided to approve the variation of the Design and Build Contract for the Watling Gardens project.

Analysis

outcome: The recommendations for the variation of the contract and final account were approved.

summary: The decision at stake is whether to approve a variation of the Design and Build Contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd for the Watling Gardens project.

topline: The Director of Inclusive Regeneration and Climate Action has decided to approve the variation of the Design and Build Contract for the Watling Gardens project.

reason_contentious: This issue is not contentious as there are no mentions of local stakeholders or political issues.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Hill Partnerships Ltd"]

contentiousness_score: 0

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.brent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7804

Decision Maker: Director - Inclusive Regeneration and Climate Action

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To request approval to vary the Design and Build Contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd to deliver the Watling Gardens project, and to confirm the final account for the contract.

Content: To request approval to vary the Design and Build Contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd to deliver the Watling Gardens project, and to confirm the final account for the contract. The Director of Inclusive Regeneration and Climate Action:   i)               Approves the variation of the Design and Build Contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd for the delivery of the Watling Gardens project by £321,842.68 to undertake necessary variations including repairs to the estates boundary wall to minimise health and safety risk, changes to flooring materials in Block C, requirement for fully automated doors in Block C, wet room adaptations, block B external works, additional white goods, changes to laundry room and additional security requirements.   ii)              Approves the final account of the Design and Build Contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd for the delivery of the Watling Gardens project. The Council entered into a Design and Build Contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd for the delivery of the Watling Gardens project on 8 November 2022. The project achieved practical completion on 6 February 2026. In achieving this milestone, there have been a number of variations to the contract.   To this end, officers are seeking approval to vary the contract to meet these additional changes and consequently agree the final contract account. The proposal is to agree the additional changes to the existing contract with Hill Partnerships Ltd. An alternative option would be for the Council to not proceed with the additional requirements and seek alternative contractors. This has been discounted due to the time it would take to procure new contractors and the efficiencies of utilising the incumbent provider. None.

Date of Decision: August 5, 2026