Decision details

Date of Decision:

2^nd April, 2024

Title:

Contract variation for Transport for the North (TfN) modelling work in relation to the Mainline Station Outline Business Case (OBC).

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Simon Moss, Assistant Director, Regeneration and Environment

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

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

Cabinet (April 2023):

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.

Contract award was approved by Delegated Officer Decision report on 2 May 2023.

This report deals with a variation to that contract which has been approved by Leader as Cabinet Member.

Brief Description of Decision:

That the Assistant Director for Regeneration and Environment:

·       Approves the additional funding required for TfN to carry out further testing needed for the Mainline Station Outline Business Case

Reasons for the Decision:

As the modelling work for the Outline Business Case has progressed, it has become evident that further testing is needed to refine and enhance the quality of the outputs. This additional scope and required amendments to the model will incur a further cost of £95,000. Additionally, the Station masterplanning process has identified further testing required at a cost of £53,750. This testing will ensure the wider economic opportunities are incorporated into the OBC. Additional funds to support both aspects of the work, totalling £148,759, have been identified from RMBC CRSTS revenue allocation.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

RMBC considered not accepting the additional fee and only including the testing provided so far for the OBC submission. This, however, would create increased risk to the next stages of the scheme so the option was rejected.

Due to the TfN model already being built and available, this reduces costs for the work undertaken. This is also a pilot project for TfN, with Department for Transport (DfT) contributing circa half of the original required work cost, enabling TfN to offer the necessary expertise and good value for money for the Council. RMBC could appoint new consultants to undertake some of the modelling work required. However, this would require development of a model and would significantly increase costs. On this basis the option was rejected.

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

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

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