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1240/5(4317)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY SENATOR B.E. SHENTON
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 24th MARCH 2009
Question
Would the Minister confirm that the following UK architects were shortlisted to develop the inner St. Helier Masterplan on behalf of the States of Jersey at taxpayers' expense, namely Sir Richard McCormack, Sir Michael Hopkins and Robert Adam Architects and, if so, would the Minister describe in detail the selection process used in filtering down to this shortlist, the tendering process used, and details of how the contract was advertised?
Answer
The Minister recently decided that in view of the large number of potential development sites emerging in the northern area of the town an holistic masterplan of the area should be prepared. The masterplan would set a regeneration vision for the area.
Due to imperative to begin the regeneration work very soon the Minister set a three months deadline for delivery of the masterplan.
The Minister is particularly grateful to Deputy Judy Martin and Deputy Paul Le Claire for deferring their propositions relating to this area to enable the completion of the masterplan.
In order to complete the masterplan within the three month period, it was obvious that, rather than seek widespread expressions of interest which would have taken weeks, it was better to invite selected tenderers who were able to demonstrate the successful completion of similar masterplans. Furthermore the tenderers had to demonstrate the capacity to complete the work in the required period and be familiar with St Helier. Using a practice with experience of St Helier is highly beneficial as it prevents the necessity for expenditure on acclimatisation', and the time this takes.
In accordance with the requirements of the relevant Code of Financial Directions, three internationally renowned practices with recent local experience were invited to tender. The three practices, MJP Architects, Hopkins Architects and Robert Adam Architects were, importantly, required to form an association with a local architectural practice as part of their tender.
Then, as a result of an enquiry from the principal of a local practice and a subsequent conversation with the President of the Association of Jersey Architects, three local practices were also invited to tender.
The local practices were BDK Architects, Naish Waddington Architects and Axis Mason Architects.
In the event two of the local practices joined forces with UK tenderers, and the third with a multidisciplinary UK practice with masterplanning experience.
Four tenders were received, in order of receipt: BDK Architects with Savills; Hopkins Architects with Naish Waddington Architects; MJP Architects with Axis Mason; and Robert Adam Architects with MS Planning. All were interviewed by the Department last week. Officers have made a recommendation to the Minister.
The Minister has consulted with his newly formed political group before confirming the appointment. The political group formed by the Minister to assist with the masterplanning process comprises the Constable of St Helier, Deputy Martin, Deputy Duhamel, Deputy Lewis and Deputy Le Claire.
The Minister has made a decision, the tenderers are in the process of being advised of the outcome and notification of the outcome is imminent.