Decision ref
0064 2024/25
Decision date
26/11/2024
Portfolio
Inclusive Growth and Regeneration
Wards
Peasley Cross and Fingerpost, Town Centre
Title
St Helens Town Centre - Digital Infrastructure Project
Summary
That Telcom Network be notified as preferred Supplier - and following the regulatory 10-day standstill period that Telcom Network would entre into a Contract with the Council to deliver the Digital Infrastructure Project.
Purpose
This report makes the recommendation that Telcom Networks be awarded the design, build, operate and commercialise contract for the delivery of the St Helens Town Centre Digital Infostructure Project, as part of the wider Town Deal Programme.
Background
Grant funding as part of the Town Deal programme was secured in December 2022 and January 2023 from the Department for Levelling-Up Homes and Communities (DLUHC), to enable a new full fibre network to be built across the Town Centre, addressing connectivity gaps where the telecoms market has not invested. This new digital infrastructure network will improve business productivity and help to make St Helens Town Centre a vibrant and dynamic location to live, work and invest.
The digital infrastructure project will create a new “spine” network that will stimulate further expansion outside the Town Centre by the Telecoms industry, across the wider Borough (such as the residential fibre connections being provided by City Fibre). The network will also provide a connection point for all of the Town Improvement Project site locations including; new Transport Interchange (connected places), The Gamble Youth Zone, Cannington Shaw No.7 Bottle Shop, Heritage World, Glass Future Phase 2, Town Centre Living and Regeneration, the Health and Care Innovation Hub.
Following an extensive procurement process involving quality and commercial requirements and Negotiation with market Suppliers who have submitted proposals to the Council, the evaluation of the final tenders has identified Telcom Networks as the highest scoring Bidder against the criteria set by the Council.
Conclusion
The extensive Tender process, including Market Engagement with Telcom Suppliers has been concluded and identified Telcom Networks as the preferred Bidder.
The Delegated representatives are requested to confirm the decision to progress awarding a contract to Telcom Networks for the Digital Infrastructure Project.
Risk Implications
Risk have been shared between the Council and the Supplier.
Delivery management risks for the build, operate and maintenance of the network sit with the Supplier.
Overall outcomes in relation to funding and programme delivery risks remain with the Council - for the network to be completed before March 2026.
The Supplier as part of its Tender response has proposed a series of mitigations to significantly reduce these risks.
The Council will remain responsible for the Supplier performance and this will be monitored via 6 monthly contract management reports.
Measures to Redress Risk
NEC Contract in-place with Supplier with clear deliverables;
Strong Governance and Assurance processes in-place;
Performance monitoring as part of Contract;
Supplier commitments given within a defined Investment period;
Commercial emphasis by Supplier to deliver broader St Helens outcomes.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Steven Sharples on 01744 676930
