Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement presented the report.

Works had continued to progress on site since commencement in October 2024 and are now passing from the Construction Phase to the Mobilisation Phase. This is a critical point in the final fitting out and commissioning stages of the project.

Since the previous update in September, the contractor has outlined an additional 2-week delay to the completion of the Construction Phase of the project, moving back the anticipated construction completion from the 30th October 2025 to the 11th November 2025.

The overall delay has been incurred due to a combination of issues within the construction programme. However, the predominant reason for the additional delay in handover is due to the delays caused by Anglian Water with respect to the connection of the building’s hydrant main to infrastructure on Turnpike Close.

These works were originally scheduled to be undertaken in October, prior to completion of the original construction phase. However, due to a gas leak on Harlaxton Road causing traffic diversion via Swingbridge Road, Anglian Water were unable to secure the necessary permit to work from LCC Highways to facilitate the works. Anglian Water did initially indicate they would be unable to reschedule these works until Late November. However, after pressure was put upon the management of Anglian Water these works have been rescheduled and commenced on 3rd November.

The mobilisation period has been reviewed following the change in the construction handover date and works have been adjusted to work in parallel to the end of the construction phase from the 3rd November with the view to facilitate a new target Go-live of week commencing 1st December. The programming of the project has however been adjusted to provide a contingency period of two weeks reporting a Go-Live on the 15th December to accommodate any possible further unforeseen delays.

The Council were still awaiting a permit from the Environment Agency.

Officers involved were thanked for their diligent work on the project over the last 12 months.

The Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) clarified the permit application was sent in February 2025, Environment Agency reviewed it in August 2025 and in October 2025, the Environment Agency confirmed the permit had been ‘duly made’. At present, the Council had not received the permit. The new site could be operated from, however, waste could not be stored on the site without the permit.

In terms of contingency, Environment Agency could provide a temporary permit or the Council could apply for a three-month exemption, meaning waste could be stored on the new site until the permit is received by the Council. 

It was queried whether issues with Anglian Water had been fully addressed and whether the ‘go live’ date would be delayed any further.

Members recognised the overall success of the project.

A query was raised on when proposals would be brought forward for the use of the site at Mowbeck Way.

A solution was in place to secure short-term lettings on the site, which had received some interest.

Clarification was sought around the difference between the mobilisation period and the operation go- live period.

Concern was raised on the Mowbeck Way site becoming void and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

ACTION: For a report to be brought the Committee in the future to outline proposals for the Mowbeck Way site.

The Head of Service (Property and ICT) confirmed that mobilisation would take place when the Council take control and liability of the site. During this period, services would be transferred from Mowbeck Way to the new site.

The operational go-live period would mean completion of the mobilisation phase meaning services would resume as usual from the new site.

The Chairman formally thanked the team and all Officers involved in the project.

The Committee:

Noted the current position of the delivery of the new Waste Depot at Turnpike Close, Grantham.