Issue - meetings

Cabinet discussed proposals for the procurement and award of a contract to undertake essential improvements to the concrete roof structure and installation of a hand railing to the upper walkway at the Margate Harbour Arm, Stone Pier, located at Margate. The estimated value of the contract would be circa £320k. The Margate Harbour Arm was both an important historic structure being Grade 2 Listed structure and the home of a number of different businesses.

The Council was currently responsible for all external and structural repairs and maintenance. The building’s exposure to the harsh environment in its location had increased the weathering effects to the structure. Without this crucial maintenance of the roof structures, the building would in the near future become difficult to let out leading to a loss of income for the Council. In relation to the hand railings, there was currently a risk to the public, who may gain unauthorised access to the roof area during busy periods. This posed a risk in regards to both the loading to the structure and the risk to the person of falling off as there was no edge protection. A capital budget of £320k was approved to be funded from the Property Enhancement Fund for the financial year 24/25.

Councillor Duckworth proposed, Councillor Keen seconded and Cabinet agreed the following:

1. The key decision to award a contract with a value in excess of £250k to undertake essential roof improvements to the building structures and the installation of handrails to the upper walkway of the Harbour Arm, Stone Pier, following a procurement exercise;

2.  That the Director of Place shall negotiate the final terms and sign the contract with the successful bidder.

Andreea Plant, Head of Property introduced the report and made the following points:

·  This report was in relation to the procurement and award of a contract to undertake essential improvements to the concrete roof structure and installation of a hand railing to the upper walkway at the Margate Harbour Arm, Stone Pier, located at Margate. The estimated value of the contract will be circa £320 thousand;

·  The Margate Harbour Arm is both an important historic structure being Grade 2 Listed structure and the home of a number of different businesses. The Council was currently responsible for all external and structural repairs and maintenance. The building’s exposure to the harsh environment in its location had increased the weathering effects to the structure. Without this crucial maintenance of the roof structures, the building would in the near future become difficult to let out leading to a loss of income for the Council;

·  In relation to the hand railings, there was currently a risk to the public, who may gain unauthorised access to the roof area during busy periods. This posed a risk with regards to both the loading to the structure and the risk to the person of falling off as there was no edge protection;

·  A capital budget of £320k was approved to be funded from the Property Enhancement Fund for the financial year 24/25.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel were asked to:

1.  Note and scrutinise the report and consider any representations to Cabinet in advance of its meeting on 24 October 2024, where it is recommended that Cabinet:

2.  Approves the key decision to award a contract with a value in excess of £250k to undertake essential roof improvements to the building structures and the installation of handrails to the upper walkway of the Harbour Arm, Stone Pier, following a procurement exercise.

3.  Agrees that the Director of Place shall negotiate the final terms and sign the contract with the successful bidder.

A member asked whether there would be any impact on the operations of the businesses and whether the new railings would stop the public from trespassing.

Andreea Plant said that it was difficult to determine whether the new railings would be a deterrent to trespassing.

The Panel noted the report.