Alteration works to Otis House

Report: 16
Date: 10 July 2003
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report considers the proposed building alteration works at Otis House, 43 to 59 Clapham Road, Lambeth, as part of the Lambeth Borough Operational Command Unit (OCU) accommodation requirements and the provision of additional accommodation identified in the Central London Property Plan.

The MPA Finance, Planning and Best Value (FP&BV) Committee meeting on 4 October 2001 approved the Investment Appraisal and Supplementary Reports detailing the accommodation proposals for the Lambeth Borough OCU, including Otis House. The MPA Finance Committee on 9 June 2003 approved the Strategy detailing the proposed use of Otis House for other business units and decants from Tintagel House.

Approval is now required to proceed with tendering and award of contract for works to Otis House, for both the Borough OCU and other business unit(s) accommodation proposals.

A. Recommendations

That

1. Members note the approval given by the FP&BV meeting on 4 October 2001 for the accommodation for Lambeth Borough OCU and particularly note the approval given to the initial phase of the project, which was taking a lease for Otis House and converting the building for Borough administration and SO functions;
2. note the approval given by Finance Committee meeting on 9 June 2003 for accommodation for wider issues, item 11.
3. note that a lease has now been taken for Otis House; and
4. give approval to tender the building conversion works to Otis House and award a contract, if the recommended tender is within the budget cost estimate detailed in this report, (subject to permitted variance within the new Contract Regulations / Delegated Powers). If the tender exceeds the budget cost a further report will be submitted. The contract estimates are contained in the exempt report.

B. Supporting information

1. This report refers to the First Stage Investment Appraisal, which received FP&BV approval on 4 October 2001. This included approval for taking a lease for Otis House and converting the building for Borough administration and SO functions. However, it has been recognised that the Current Capital Allocation could not fund the proposals for Brixton Police Station and other sites, resulting in the strategy for Lambeth Borough being halted pending the Estate Strategy review.

2. Funding approval for works at Otis House relating to the Borough was given in the Finance Committee Report of 10 April 2003, Realignment of Capital Allocation Programme (Land & Buildings) 2003/04 – 2007/08. However, the work in connection with accommodating the other business unit(s) at Otis House will increase the cost and approval for the extra works is now being sought.

3. The extent of works required at Otis House for the Borough has now been finalised, designs have been developed by MPA/PSD consultants and the estimated cost is detailed in the exempt report for approval to tender the works and award a contract in the updated estimated cost.

4. Tender documents are being prepared for the Borough accommodation and the works are programmed to be tendered during July and August 2003. There is now considerable urgency for this project to be completed to meet the Borough OCU accommodation needs.

5. The extent of works to the remaining floors is yet to be finalised and incorporated into the project. Estimated costs are detailed in the Exempt paper for approval to proceed within the same contract. Should these stated costs be exceeded, further approval would be sought.

C. Equality and diversity implications

1. The design for the proposed building works at Otis House takes account of equality and diversity implications.

2. The design incorporates facilities for people with disabilities and provides modern accommodation that will address the needs of all groups and communities who may need to use the building.

D. Financial implications

1. It is intended that the Capital Programme for 2003/04 and future years will be adjusted to include funding for this project.

2. The Borough OCU has confirmed that the project remains of high priority.

3. The total estimated cost of the building conversion works at Otis House, including allowances for fees and Directorate of Information infrastructure works, is detailed in the exempt paper. The estimated cost is in two parts. The first part is the conversion works for the Borough OCU accommodation and the second part for the accommodation allocated to other police units.

E. Background papers

• First Stage Investment Appraisal dated April 2001

F. Contact details

Report author: Director of Property Services

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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