Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment relative to Tower Bridge Services Trenches Refurbishment.

A Member commented that, in essence, this was simply the replacement of the existing access plates with those that were more manoeuvrable and some additional ‘cleaning up’. He therefore found the estimated costs of £500,000 concerning for this work.

Another Member referred to the notable exclusions within he report and the statement that existing proposals and project budget did not include the replacement of the cast-iron bedding frames. He questioned whether any maintenance would at least be carried out on elements such as these whilst Officers had the relevant access.

Officers reported that the cast-iron frames had been recently inspected and seemed in good condition at present, no problems were therefore anticipated here, although a more detailed survey would be carried out in due course with any maintenance effected whilst Officers had access if this was deemed necessary.

In terms of costs, Officers stated that the replacement of these elements would involve a lot of work given that there was no ‘off the shelf’ equivalent to the existing plates. The estimates were arguably conservative at this stage although the Gateway process would refine these further.

RESOLVED – That the Committee:

1.    Approve a budget of £10,000 for staff costs and investigations to reach the next Gateway;

2.    Note the total estimated cost of the project at between £300,000 and £500,000 (excluding risk); and

3.    Note that no Costed Risk Provision is requested at this stage, although £120,000 of costed risks against asbestos and contamination are identified in the Project Risk Register. These will be reviewed at the next Gateway following further investigations.