Seeking approval of the procurement strategy and authority to procure and award a contract, to a contractor through a two-stage procurement process.  The report also seeks to inform members of the land acquisition strategy for the land required to construct Hereford Western Bypass Phase 1.

ChildrenCHTHE MEMBER the The member for transport and infrastructure introduced the report.  It was highlighted that the decision was regarding approval of the procurement strategy and to inform members of the land acquisition strategy. 

It was confirmed that a design review had been completed for Phase 1 of the bypass which revealed that the original design of the Southern Link Road was still good for the most part.  Therefore, it was now the right time to bring on a construction partner to help finalise the designs and to assist with working with National Highways and Network Rail in completing the approvals for the design.  It was confirmed that early contractor engagement would assist in finalising the construction cost estimates. 

It was confirmed that current financing will use the £10.3m agreed by cabinet and council.  The report in March 2024 authorised the spending of £10.3m and the report was comprehensive, open, transparent and clearly set out the rationale for the decision to progress to the development of Phase 1.

It was highlighted that a full business case will be considered by cabinet before the funding for the construction of Phase 1 was drawn down and there was no requirement for a further business case regarding this current decision to procure a contractor.

It was noted a useful PGC was also held on 7 July.

It was raised that the appendices to the report were exempt and if discussion by cabinet members or group leaders referred to them, the meeting would need to move into closed session.

Comments from cabinet members.  There was support for the project moving forward. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. No concerns regarding the approach to procurement were raised. There was support from some group leaders for the bypass proceeding.  Concerns were raised as well regarding whether the scheme would deliver an improvement to traffic and would represent value for money. It was raised that evidence to justify the decision and spend had not been delivered.  It was queried whether the money could be phased so the procurement approach was brought forward alongside a business case with the funding being released when the business case and value for money analysis evidence supported it. 

It was queried if all decisions taken by the Economy and Environment Director would be taken in full consultation with the cabinet and the section 151 officer, would be fully documented and accessible to members.

It was queried would the procurement and construction consider the council’s commitment to net zero, would there be active travel infrastructure and consideration made for children and young people.

It was raised if lessons learnt from previous projects were being applied to Phase 1.  Whether there was confidence in the pricing to provide a reliable indicative pricing for Phase 2 and what the margin of error was.

It was queried what the likelihood of central government funding would be required to deliver the full Western Bypass and what safeguards were in place to avoid further cost burdens  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19