THE Edinburgh Trams extension to Newhaven is moving closer as councillors will be asked to approve the award of two separate contracts for the potential project next week.
The council’s finance and resources committee will consider reports detailing the outcome of a “rigorous and competitive” procurement process carried out late last year.
The two contracts which are recommended for award are a swept path contract, to Morrison Utility Services Ltd (MUS Ltd), and an infrastructure and systems contract, to Sacyr Farrans Neopul Joint Venture (SFNJV).
If the committee votes to award the contracts, this is subject to a final decision on the final business case by full council on March 14.
Under the contract, the council is procuring a specialist contractor, managed directly by the client team, to work ahead of the infrastructure and systems contractor to identify and clear any below ground obstructions along the tram route.
The I&S contract covers the design and construction, systems integration, testing, commissioning and bringing into operational service of the Edinburgh Tram York Place to Newhaven project.
Alasdair Rankin, finance and resources convener, said: “This process has been exhaustive in its approach, taking on board substantial lessons learned from the previous projects and following best industry practice.”
He added: “The finance and resources committee will carefully assess and scrutinise the outcome of this procurement process before arriving at a decision.
“Awarding the contracts will be subject to a final vote on the project by council on March 14.”
If council votes to proceed with the Trams to Newhaven project in March, a six-month early contractor involvement period will commence, “during which the targeted cost will be fully developed”.
The current extension cost could reach £207 million, which is £42m more than the previously cited £165m, and includes a contingency fund.
Underground works were a significant issue on the current route which at £776m was £230m over budget and three years late.
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