Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for award of a contract relating to renewal of the advertising lease for the Bobby Moore Bridge, which expires at the end of August 2024.

Having noted the comments made during the presentation of the petition relating to the same item (Agenda Item 5 refers) Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the options presented for consideration in relation to the award of the contract for the Bobby More Bridge Advertising Lease as follows:

Option A - Advertising on the parapet walls of the bridge only where the existing digital screens are located. This will not affect any of the tiled areas. 

Option B - Advertising on the parapet walls of the bridge, plus the underpass walls excluding the mural with plaque.

(2)    Having taken account of the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.2.6 of the report, to approve the award of contract for the Bobby Moore Bridge Advertising Lease on the basis of Option B (namely advertising on the parapet walls of the bridge, plus the underpass walls excluding the mural with plaque) to Quintain Ltd.

(3)    To note the minimum guaranteed amount in respect of Option B would generate additional financial return above the required guarantee over the four-year contract period compared with Option A.

(4)    To note in respect of Option B the tiled mural with plaque in honour of Bobby Moore would remain on permanent display inside the underpass framed by the lightboxes.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 4 June 24

Councillor Muhamed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report presenting the outcome of procurement for the Bobby Moore Bridge advertising lease and the two potential options for the basis of awarding the contract.

In introducing the report, Councillor Butt highlighted the opportunities to work with the successful tenderer in order to ensure the work undertaken to generate income through the advertising lease was still able to protect the site in relation to heritage. He also advised Cabinet of the opportunities the contract would provide in relation to the wider financial benefits and contribution towards the site as a gateway to the Wembley complex.

In responding to the points raised under the petition (item 5 above refers), Councillor Butt acknowledged the views expressed, but highlighted the difficult financial situation the Council’s found themselves in as a result of austerity and the overall reduction in Central Government funding and the challenges in balancing that against the Council’s regeneration ambitions and duty to provide residents with the services they depended on. He advised the Cabinet that this report formed part of the work to ensure that the Council worked with all developers, partners and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for the borough and Brent residents.

The Cabinet thanked those involved in the work on this and the residents who had put their views forward and RESOLVED, having noted the comments made during the presentation of the petition and the following options presented for consideration in relation to the award of the contract for the Bobby Moore Bridge Advertising Lease:

·             Option A – Advertising on the parapet walls of the bridge only where the existing digital screens are located. This will not affect any of the tiled areas.

·             Option B – Advertising on the parapet walls of the bridge, plus the underpass walls excluding the mural with plaque.

(1)    To approve, having taken account of the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.2.6 of the report, the award of contract for the Bobby Moore Bridge Advertising Lease on the basis of Option B (namely advertising on the parapet walls of the bridge, plus the underpass walls excluding the mural with plaque) to Quintain Ltd.

(2)    To note the minimum guaranteed amount in respect of Option B would generate additional financial return above the required guarantee over the four-year contract period compared with Option A.

(3)    To note in respect of Option B the tiled mural with plaque in honour of Bobby Moore would remain on permanent display inside the underpass framed by the lightboxes.

Following on from the above decision, Philip Grant sought to raise a point of order, which Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) advised he was not minded to accept on the basis of Mr Grant already having had the opportunity to address the meeting when presenting the petition.