Haringey Council is set to appoint a new contractor to complete the long-stalled Topham Square Car Park project in N17 7HL, aiming to deliver much-needed council homes. The project aims to deliver four homes, contributing to the council's target of building 3,000 new council homes by 2031.
The decision, expected to be approved by Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, follows the original contractor entering voluntary liquidation, which halted construction. The council has since secured the site and conducted a competitive procurement process to identify a replacement.
According to a council report, 'Contractor A' has been selected through a formal tender process using the JCT Intermediate Building Contract 2016 via the London Construction Programme Minor Works Dynamic Purchasing System. Tender responses were evaluated based on the scoring criteria and methodology detailed in the published Invitation to Tender document. The council believes that completing the car park will contribute to their commitment to build 3,000 new council homes by 2031.
Alternative options, such as demolishing the structures or selling the partially completed sites, were considered but rejected. The council determined these options would not support their housing commitments and would result in a significant financial loss.
The council report also included comments from statutory officers. Finance officers stated that the scheme will deliver four homes, aligning with the council's objective of delivering 3,000 social rent homes, and the total cost can be contained within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Procurement officers confirmed that the procurement was tendered competitively and that 'Contractor A' offered the Most Economically Advantageous Tender. Legal officers confirmed that the contract was procured via a compliant route and that the recommendations in the report are in line with the council's Contract Standing Orders and the Local Government Act 2000.
Equality officers noted that the decision to complete the construction works is likely to have a positive impact on individuals in temporary accommodation and those vulnerable to homelessness, particularly women, young people, and BAME communities. It was also noted that some of the new homes are fully accessible for wheelchair users, benefiting residents with disabilities.
Residents were informed in September 2024 that a new building contractor was required to complete the final stages of the works. The public reports pack provides further details on the project. Background papers related to the Topham Square car park development include a report on a new contractual arrangement with an existing construction company from July 2023 and Member Signing Minutes from March 2022. Further information can be found in the re-procure contractor for Topham Square car park report.
The item regarding the appointment of the contractor was discussed in private, excluding the press and public, due to exempt information relating to financial or business affairs and legal professional privilege.
It is noted that the original contractor entered voluntary liquidation, however, specific reasons for this action were not provided in the meeting information.