High Lane Estate Regeneration - 1189

Tender description

The London Borough of Ealing wishes to appoint a development partner to completely redevelop the High Lane estate. The Information Memorandum attached to this PQQ at Appendix A provides an overview of the opportunity. The Design Development Report prepared by HTA Architects on behalf of the Council, and attached to this PQQ at Appendix B, sets out contextual information about the site, some key issues that will need to be addressed, the consultation process undertaken thus far, and the Council’s planning and design guidance which informed the development proposal contained therein. The development partner will secure scheme financing, produce their own development proposals (having regard to the planning guidance provided) submit a planning application, demolish and build the new homes on a phased basis, with the Council purchasing a required amount of affordable housing. Accordingly, the Council is now preparing to invite bids from Developers who are able to approach the project with the view to committing to the delivery of the required replacement of affordable housing. In return for the construction of housing to be retained by the Council (or transferred to the Council or its nominated purchaser where appropriate) for replacement housing (both social and housing to be offered at a discount market rent), land will be provided to enable the development partner to construct market housing. At the request of the Council, a proportion of the replacement housing (i.e. that to be offered at a discount to market rent) will be transferred to Broadway Living, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Council. The development and construction risk will be taken by the Developer, notwithstanding obligations of both a contractual and statutory nature upon the Council and the clear intention of the Council to enter agreement with the Developer on a partnership basis. The Developer should be prepared to present their approach in respect of financial viability and be able to display innovation within their own development proposals. Flexible solutions for the Development will actively be encouraged so that the ‘final’ development meets the requirements of the Council. Financial criteria affecting the eligibility of Developers to qualify for the tender stage will be orientated around whether the Developer has sufficient financial standing to undertake a project of this size and complexity. Technical and Professional Ability will be evaluated primarily on the experience of the Developer in relation to projects of a similar scale and complexity. Where the Developer comprises a consortium, the Council will in addition be seeking evidence of experience of working as a team and a clear explanation as to the mechanisms that will be put in place to ensure consistency and quality in the event that consortium members change. Developers will be provided with as much site information as possible during the ISOS/ITPD tender stage, in order to give confidence that any obvious barriers to development are identified and/or removed. Developers should note that one of the key delivery risks is the need to obtain planning permission in respect of the site. The Council will assist in so far as is practicably possible and will ensure provisions are in place within the Development Agreement. Draft heads of terms have been provided, at PQQ Appendix C, as a guide for bidders to understand the Council’s approach to the legal and commercial issues that underpin the regeneration of the High Lane Estate. Keywords: Design, demolition and construction, Estate Regeneration