Decision details

Replacement of existing windows and external doors, replacement soffits and repairs to balcony balustrades and associated making good.

To award the contract for window and external door replacement and balcony repairs at Portland House to A&F Pilbeam Construction Ltd at a value of £554,423.00 (Salix grant £286,985.40 and £265,637.60 capital investment) excluding disbursements, professional fees and VAT.

As part of the Workspaces project the second floor and part of the ground floor of Portland House are being relinquished by the Council and we are leasing the office space to the NHS trust. These works are due to commence in the coming weeks.

As part of our net zero carbon commitment we are looking to replace the windows and balcony doors at Portland House with triple glazed, sustainable and operational units. The replacement was originally proposed as a capital investment due to the poor condition of the components, but the Strategic Sustainability team has secured a grant funded contribution to the costs. The works need to be completed before the end of March to draw down this funding and this will tie in with the refurbishment works.

Do nothing, minimum or status quo: Windows and external doors are in a poor condition and will need to be replaced within the next 2-3 years regardless of any available funding. The balcony repairs are critical and access has had to be prohibited until repairs are undertaken.

Proposed option: To replace all windows and external doors with triple glazed aluminium clad timber units and to use the principal contractor to manage the balcony repairs, soffit, fascia and rainwater good replacements required. A&F Pilbeam have also won the contract for the refurbishment works. There is added benefit to the project by utilising the same contractor, who can manage health and safety and programming as a whole.