To approve exploratory, feasibility and design work in relation to four possible sites for the development of a new 80 bed care facility in Herefordshire. It is proposed to carry out exploration and initial design work to RIBA stage 0-1 during 2022/2023 to inform and enable selection of a preferred site for development. Approval is also required to spend up to a value of £250k, including up to £65k from the capital allocation for the care facility development to enable the feasibility and design works and other investigations. 

The four sites have been selected following evaluation of a larger number of sites. The site evaluation work follows the adoption by Cabinet in 2021 of the preferred approach to developing a new care facility.

That:

a)    Exploratory and feasibility work on four potential sites for a new care facility is approved, including the commissioning of initial design work to RIBA stage 0-1 on all four potential sites, at a maximum total cost of £250k, and;

b)    Authority to make all arrangements and decisions necessary to implement and complete the works and wider exploration is delegated to the Corporate Director for Community Wellbeing.

1.             Not to proceed with exploratory and feasibility works and therefore not to progress the proposed development of a new care facility. This option is not recommended as Cabinet decided in October 2021 that the council would develop, build and operate its own 80 bed care facility. The exploration of site feasibility is a key next step in implementing that decision.

2.             Proceed with the proposed development of a new care facility, selecting a preferred site without any exploratory works to assess suitability of sites. This option is not recommended as selection of the proposed site is key to success of such a major project and site evaluation should be informed by detailed exploratory and feasibility work, including initial design work by architectural consultants. Many risks would attend a development which proceeded without the completion of feasibility and exploratory works.

3.             Proceed with exploration of sites but restricted to only two potential sites. This option was considered in some depth but is not recommended as cabinet members wish to consider sites in different locations, presenting different opportunities and challenges.