Originally, a feasibility business case was developed and approved in 2019
to continue the development of the HCCI project. This requested funding
to broaden the extents of the HCCI project to include an area to the south
west of High Town which includes Broad Street, King Street, Bridge Street
and other smaller streets in the vicinity referred to as the Cathedral and
River Wye Quarter (CRWQ).
- The vision being for the streets and spaces in CRWQ to be vibrant and
active places where people want to spend time and businesses want to be
based. The streets and spaces to be designed to amplify Hereford’s unique
character, sense of place and its rich medieval history as capital of the
Marches. The streets and spaces will be downgraded for vehicle use, but
upgraded for all other activities; becoming a place where pedestrians and
cyclists feel comfortable and where movement for them is effortless,
enjoyable and safe. On a daily basis the Cathedral and River Wye Quarter
would support businesses by providing the space and an appropriate
environment for them to engage with the street, especially food and drink
businesses with outdoor seating.
Procurement of professional services was required to develop the outline
design for improvements to the CRWQ. Burroughs were appointed via a
competitive open tender process. Their design would draw on the
approach to the High Town area but reflect the distinct character and
function of this area. That outline design was almost completed by the
time the emerging Masterplan was revealed. Despite the masterplan team
being integral and fully consulted in the design of CRWQ, now some
significant changes are required to the current CRWQ outline design.
The outline design process was suspended until the draft Masterplan was
finalised and whilst Burroughs assessed the extent of the revisions required
to the current outline design.
The cost associated with the revision of the design exceeds the 50% uplift
permitted in CPR’s for variation of the Contract Price. Accordingly
alternative routes to appointment have been investigated. There is an
additional pressure to complete the detailed construction drawings for this
scheme by March 2024 to satisfy funding conditions. This must be achieved
to ensure that Marches LEP funding is retained. Discussions with the
procurement team resulted in a decision to investigate the cost benefit of
Burroughs being appointed to complete the revised outline design and to
progress the detailed design phase. This is considered to be the least risk to
losing LEP funding, also maintaining consistent design standards and
principles.