Agenda item

The Committee considered a Gateway 5 issue report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning Crossrail Works and approval that the CoL Corporation deliver the works for Crossrail, starting with the Farringdon East element, followed by Moorgate/Moorfields and Liverpool Street in due course.

Members were advised that Crossrail had the authority to unilaterally deliver the works under their Crossrail Act powers, and were required to complete certain key elements by December 2018 to allow the relevant stations to open.

However, the presence of over-site development & adjacent building works would prevent large elements of these works being completed by December 2018, after which Crossrail would cease to exist as a delivery arm of TfL. As a result, Crossrail had discussed through a number of working groups with the CoL how the CoL could undertake the majority of these works on Crossrail’s behalf.

Members asked a number of questions in relation to the timing of the works, whether or not any liaison had taken place with Westminster, the need for further contingencies to be put in place, and the fact that the CoL would have to underwrite any cost overrun.

Members sought assurance that there were sufficient staff resources in place to deliver the works and also that consultation would be undertaken with local stakeholders and residents who would be affected by the traffic and pedestrian disruption.

Officers advised that there were sufficient resources in place and using Riney would ensure the City had full control on the quality of work and engagement with the community. However officers acknowledged that while the CoL undertook large amounts of consultation, TfL and Crossrail did not and it would therefore be necessary to consult further with residents.

RESOLVED – That

a)            Agreement in principle that the City deliver the urban realm works at Farringdon and Liverpool St stations on behalf of Crossrail be given subject to the Chairman and Deputy Clare James meeting with officers to ensure consultation with residents is undertaken;

b)            Approval for Gateway 3-5 to commence works in relation to Farringdon east be delegated to the Director of the Built Environment, in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee;

c)            The Comptroller and City solicitor be authorised to conclude the legal agreement between the City  and Crossrail; and

d)            Subsequent Gateway 5 reports in relation to Liverpool Street station be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee in due course.