Accommodation for Ealing Borough Operational Command Unit (OCU) works to Acton Police Station

Report: 11
Date: 15 September 2003
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report considers, as part of the medium term accommodation requirements for the Ealing Borough OCU, the works to Acton police station. Previous approval for the first stage investment appraisal was received at the meeting of the former Finance Planning and Best Value Committee on 18 April 2002, including the tendering of the works to Acton police station.

The second stage investment appraisal reviews the first stage assumptions and recommendations and seeks approval to proceed with an award of a contract for the proposed works to Acton police station.

A. Recommendation

That members approve the award of a contract for the building works to Acton police station, 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). This approval is requested to mitigate delays in award of contract and commencement of the building works.

B. Supporting information

1. This report supplements the second stage Investment Appraisal for the medium term accommodation requirements of the Ealing Borough Operational Command Unit (OCU) by undertaking alteration, extension and refurbishment works to the existing Acton police station.

2. The user’s business case produced by the Borough OCU and the first stage investment appraisal, detailed deficiencies in the Borough accommodation and resulting operational inefficiencies. The option approved at the first stage has been confirmed by the Borough OCU as a high priority, is supported by the Territorial Policing (TP) Senior Management Team (SMT) and is included in the building programme.

3. The second stage Investment Appraisal reviews the first stage appraisal. It confirms the assumptions made, examines changes to the Borough requirements, the proposed building design, floor areas and the estimated costs.

4. In order to improve cost certainty the design for the works has been developed to an advanced stage and is to be completed by the appointed building contractor under a “design and build” contract.

5. The works comprise two new extensions, together with alteration and refurbishment of the existing building. One new extension in the rear yard has three storeys with a basement and the other extension in the front paved/planted area has three storeys. The finished building will have a net usable floor area of 2,835 m2 and the proposed works are more fully described in the Investment Appraisal.

6. Acton police station would be completely decanted during the progress of the works and enabling works are currently being undertaken at Southall and Ealing police stations for the temporary accommodation of Acton staff. A temporary front office with sector base offices will be provided on land adjacent to Acton Station.

C. Equality and diversity implications

The proposed works to Acton police station will have positive equality and diversity implications, for the following reasons:

• improved facilities including ramped or hoist access to the front office, low level counters in the front office, a convenient parking space, lifts and toilets for people with disabilities, to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
• an improved public front office to comply with current design standards will provide a greater level of privacy, security and comfort for all groups or communities visiting the police station.
• enlarged and improved locker rooms and showers will provide improved privacy and dignity in the workplace for all groups or communities within the police.

D. Financial implications

Proposed works to Acton police station

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 has confirmed that the project remains of high priority. The costs have been included in future years' budget bids with necessary adjustments to the overall programme agreed in principle with the user.

3. The total estimated cost of the project for alteration, extension and refurbishment works to the existing Acton police station, including allowances for fees, furniture, Directorate of Information infrastructure works and the cost of associated temporary accommodation to maintain service delivery during the construction works, is fully detailed in the Second Stage Investment Appraisal and summarised in the exempt Appendix 1 at agenda item 14.

4. The latest design proposals for the Acton police station main building works contract include minor changes requested by the Borough. A new Section "Part L" of the Building Regulations (a legislative document setting the minimum standards of buildings) was introduced in April 2002 and increased compliance levels for thermal insulation. The effect of this introduction has resulted in an increase in estimated costs. Furthermore, due to the transfer of design risks from the MPA to the Contractor and a large increase in building tender prices since the 1st quarter 2002 further increases have also impacted on the project. The budget cost estimate is fully detailed in the second stage Investment Appraisal and summarised in the exempt Appendix 1.

5. It is anticipated that the net running and maintenance costs of the new building will be contained within existing budgets.

E. Background papers

• Finance Planning & Best Value Committee 18 April 2002

F. Contact details

Report author: Alan Croney, Director of Property Services, MPS.

For more information contact:

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

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