Decision details

Date of Decision:

24^th May 2023

Title:

Rotherham Integrated (Mainline & Tram Train) Station Outline Business Case funding approval and contractor appointments

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Paul Woodcock, Strategic Director Regeneration and Environment

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

24^th April 2023 Cabinet meeting; Minute 157 Transport Capital Programme

Cabinet:

Approved the issue of contracts between the Council and two public service bodies (Network Rail and Transport for the North) to enable timely completion of the Outline Business case as referenced in section 2.13.

Delegated responsibility to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, to identify projects described in paragraphs…2.12 Major Projects (CRSTS) and 2.13 (Rotherham Mainline Station) and for the award of contracts relating to design and construction.

Councillor Beck approved the Delegated Officer Decision report - 2 May 2023.

Decision:

That the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment:

1.    signs the grant funding agreement for the CRSTS funding to progress the integrated mainline and tram train station OBC from SYMCA.

2.    signs the Development Services Agreement with Network Rail and signs the contract for services with Transport for the North to enable preparation of the integrated mainline and tram train station OBC to commence.

Reasons for the Decision:

Acceptance of the SYMCA grant funding will enable the integrated station OBC to progress.  Award of contracts to Network Rail and Transport for the North will ensure preparation of OBC key workstreams are commenced in May 2023.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternative Option:

Consultancy appointments to undertake some of the OBC components required such as the railway design work, timetable modelling, the location of the tram train stop and to update the cost estimate, and the rail modelling work required to inform the OBC.

Alternative rejected: Any consultant work would require detailed review and assurance from Network Rail as the body responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of the rail network in Great Britain and sole provider of some of these services.  This approach would have resulted in additional costs and additional time involved.

Alternative rejected: TfN are the custodians of the Northern Rail Modelling System and having previously undertaken all of the modelling work on the project to date, together with the financial contribution being made by DfT offer the necessary expertise, time efficient and most financially advantageous means of completing this work.   

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Exemption of Appendices: An exemption is sought for Appendices 1, 2 and 3 under Paragraph 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 is requested, as this report contains financial information relating to the acquisition.

It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption would outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information because all such negotiations and financial information should remain confidential between the parties.

Reports or parts of reports considered

·       Rotherham Integrated (Mainline & Tram Train) Station Outline Business Case funding approval and contractor appointments report

·       Cabinet Meeting 24 April 2023 Minute 157

·       SYMCA Funding agreement

·       Network Rail Development Services Agreement

·       Transport for the North contract for services