Liverpool sharpens procurement as key projects progress

Timelines are falling into place for banner projects including the 1,200-home Stonebridge Cross, as the city council continues to bolster its internal processes.

The 2021 Caller report and subsequent monitoring by independent commissioners at Liverpool City Council put great store in the need for greater transparency in procurement around property and regeneration.

Earlier this year, the city council commissioned specialist external consultancy 4C Associates to carry out a review of the existing systems and processes across the organisation with regard to procurement.

The review described Liverpool City Council’s current procurement model as “fragmented, overly complex and poorly understood”.

Going forward, there will be an enhanced focus on the delivery of overall value, including financial, social and environmental impact and return on investment, according to the authority.

The tightening of its procurement processes comes at a time when the city council is preparing to make big decisions on several high-profile development opportunities.

An update provided for the strategic development and housing select committee by interim strategic director of city development Mark Bourgeois provides an update on how appointments for major schemes are progressing.

Along with the search for a new development partner at the Festival Gardens site reported in September, a notable item is progress on Stonebridge Cross, billed in March 2021 as a £217m development on 55 acres in Fazakerley.

Essentially a second phase of an overall development including the successful Stonebridge Cross business park, it is the city’s second-largest residential site behind Festival Gardens.

LCC met with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Homes England this summer to discuss procurement and the potential housing offer, with briefings to ward councillors following in September. Habitat surveys will begin this month.

Soft market testing will now begin, with the appointment of a planning consultant the next key item.

Another major development area is Kings Dock, for which an outline planning permission will also be sought for a site the city touted as its “clearest opportunity to reach an international standard in design and development” when promoting the project this summer.

Submissions are currently being evaluated with a view to appointing a preferred consultant by the end of next month. SIF funding of £1m has been secured by the council to be used on pre-development work.

“At a time when we face significant financial challenges, it is more important than ever that we are making the most of every pound that we spend, said assistant mayor with responsibility for procurement, Cllr Frazer Lake.

“Liverpool City Council is one of the biggest organisations in the city, spending large amounts of money on contracts and services. We have the power to shape that spending in a way that delivers huge benefits for local residents and communities.”