Curtis Green Security Works and Fit Out

The Major Building Estate Strategy proposed the redevelopment of the Curtis Green Building, the refurbishment of ‘Block B’ 98/103 Lambeth Road and building works to further utilise accommodation at Marlowe House and Holborn Police Station, to enable the release and disposal of New Scotland Yard, 58 Buckingham Gate and other subsidiary buildings which was approved by the Deputy Mayor for Policing And Crime (DMPC) in December 2012.

This paper requests the release of approved funding for investment in line with the approved Major Building Estate Strategy of £5.3m for necessary security works and minor fit out modifications for Curtis Green, and the procurement routes. No further investment will be required at Curtis Green.

The DMPC is asked to approve:-
1. The investment of £4.9m for security works at Curtis Green
2. The investment of £0.4m for modifications to the internal layout of Curtis Green, and
3. Procurement routes for the delivery of the above as set out below and in Part 2

1. Introduction and background

1.1 Rationalisation of the estate is one of the key components of the Corporate Real Estate programme enabling MOPAC to maximise the use of accommodation and minimise estate costs. As part of this programme assets will be disposed of when they become surplus to requirements, generating capital receipts for the capital programme.

1.2 The Major Buildings Estate Strategy has been approved to upgrade the facilities and working environments of a number of core buildings to meet operational needs, significantly improve building and desk utilisation, and to support the release of New Scotland Yard and 58 Buckingham Gate.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1 This proposal to invest in Curtis Green, as set out below and in the attached paper, aligns with and contributes to the above strategy.

2.2 The security related works will enable the purchase of a strip of land to secure dedicated access to the site, and the provision of security facilities such as re-alignment of kerbs, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) measures, turnstiles and gates, and CCTV and lighting. The costs are estimated at £4.9m and will be procured via the Ministry of Defence PFI contractor at this site.

2.3 In addition, to finalise the internal layout on the ground and 8th floors and in the catering area on the first floor an additional investment of £0.4m is necessary. These additional works will be carried out via a contract variation with the existing main contractor, BAM, already on site to ensure value for money and completion on schedule.

3. Financial Comments

3.1 This investment proposed for Curtis Green is £5.3m. This will be funded from the existing capital programme. There is no further investment expected at Curtis Green.

3.2 The revenue implications of the proposed investment will contribute to reducing expenditure in the Major Buildings portfolio by £6.4m p.a. contributing to the £59m total property savings target.

4. Legal Comments

4.1 Section 6 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (“the Act”) provides that MOPAC must secure the maintenance of the Metropolitan Police Force, and secure that the Metropolitan Police Force is efficient and effective.

4.2 In carrying out its functions, the MOPAC may, under paragraph 7, Schedule 3 of the Act do anything which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the exercise of the functions of the Office. This includes, entering into contracts and other agreements, in addition to acquiring and disposing of property (including land).
4.3 The additional works and services referred to within this Report will be required to be procured strictly in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the MOPAC’s Contract Regulations.

4.4 The MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent (Sept 2014) requires the DMPC to approve all business cases and requests to go to tender where the value exceeds £500K. The Scheme gives delegated authority to the Commercial Director (Director of Strategic Procurement) to approve the award of all contracts with the exception of those called in through the agreed call in procedure. The DMPC must be notified in writing of the outcome of the tender process for all contracts in excess of £500K.

5. Equality Comments

5.1 Future investment in the core Estate will ensure those buildings redeveloped and refurbished will demonstrate full compliance with the Equalities Act 2010 with regards to the provision of accommodation. Facilities for staff working in all buildings will be enhanced over time as investment is focused on those assets core to operations.

5.2 Further details are in Appendix 1.

6. Background/supporting papers

6.1 Appendix 1