Members considered the report of the Executive Director which sought approval to reinstate the water feature located on the Promenade at Bexhill-on-Sea.

The water feature was installed as part of a seafront regeneration project in 2011/12.  As well as a great asset, it was considered a destination attraction for the town, was located in a safe place and provided ample seating.  A number of faults had led to the fountain being intermittently shutdown.

In 2018, a series of structural and mechanical surveys were carried out on all the equipment above and below ground.  Results indicated that the whole system was leaking water and that the groundwork surrounding the water tank and the tank itself was at risk of collapse.  This resulted in additional water and sewerage costs, as well as staff resources to manage the high level of complaints received.  Therefore, it was decided that the feature be closed from spring 2019.

To remedy the situation and ensure that the water feature was fully operational for next year’s summer season, it would be essential to excavate the site, remove and reinstall all equipment.  To ensure easy access for future maintenance and reduce costs, it was suggested that the equipment be relocated above ground.

In consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Public Realm it was agreed that specialist contracts administrator Potter Raper be appointed to design a tender specification, review tender responses and oversea the replacement works.  Indicative costs were estimated to be £300,000 up to £350,000 including consultancy and contingency fees.  The contractor would be responsible for design, construction liability, as well as suitable warranties and insurances.

Members noted that in order to reinstate the water feature for the summer holiday season, it had been necessary to start the tender process.  Tender responses were expected before Christmas with commencement of works in January 2020.

Cabinet recommended that up to £350,000 be allocated from earmarked reserves and that delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Public Realm to approve appointment of the preferred contractor through a competitive tender process.  Members were advised that provision had not been allocated in the Council’s Revenue Budget, therefore full Council approval was required.

Two additional recommendations were proposed namely that the design of the water feature sought to maximise energy efficiency and minimise any adverse impact on the environment; and that the 2019/20 unspent portion of the Bexhill Local Community Infrastructure Levy be allocated to the water feature project on the Bexhill-on-Sea Promenade.

Assurance was given that legal advice and options to pursue recompense from the previous contractor were being explored.

Members agreed that the fountain was an extremely popular feature and attracted visitors to the promenade boosting the town’s economy.

RECOMMENDED: That up to £350,000 be allocated from earmarked reserves to refurbish and enhance the interactive water feature on the Bexhill-on-Sea promenade;

AND

*RESOLVED: That the:

1)     Executive Director in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Public Realm be granted authority to appoint the preferred contractor against the contract specification;

2)     design of the water feature sought to maximise energy efficiency and minimise any adverse impact on the environment; and

3)     2019/20 unspent portion of the Bexhill Local Community Infrastructure Levy be allocated to the water feature project on the Bexhill-on-Sea Promenade.

*The RESOLVED parts of this minute are subject to the call-in procedure under Rule 16 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.