Agenda item

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the proposed 2025-26 programme for the delivery of secure cycle parking (Bike Nests/Bike Hangars) across the borough and to proceed with tendering a new five-year contract, extendable for a further two years, for the supply, installation, management, and maintenance of all bike nests/hangars.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the procurement of a five-year contract with provisions to extend for two years (in yearly increments), for an estimated total value of £1,500,000 to supply and install bike hangars/nests, management, maintenance, cleaning.

(2)       To note that the contract would include the delivery of £650,000 of NCIL funding for 2025-26 to support the expansion of secure cycle parking across the borough, as approved at Cabinet on 8 September 2025.

(3)       To approve inviting tenders for the Secure Cycle Parking – Supply and Installation, Management, Maintenance and Cleaning Contract, on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

(4)       To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in paragraph (3) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

(5)       To note that following the selection of the successful bidder, the matter will be referred to Cabinet for the award of the contract.

(6)       To note that approval was given to the Head of Healthy Streets and Parking at Cabinet on 19 May 2025 to apply grant and other funding secured to the project to enable further utilisation of the budget.

(7)       To note that the 2025/26 Secure Cycle Parking Programme included proposed site identification, consultation, and implementation plans.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 December 2025

Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration seeking approval to the proposed 2025-26 programme for the delivery of secure cycle parking (Bike Nests & Bike Hangers) across the borough and to proceed with tendering a new contract for the supply, installation, management and maintenance of all bike nests and hangers.

In introducing the report, Councillor Krupa Sheth advised members of the commitment outlined towards the new programme and expansion of secure cycle parking across the borough as a practical investment designed to support the provision of a cleaner, greener Brent which also reflected resident priorities and supported what was felt to be a genuine shift towards more sustainable modes of travel.  In recognising that this modal shift could only be achieved through investment in the necessary infrastructure (including access to safe and secure cycle storage) members were advised that the programme had been designed to respond to that challenge through the recommended provision of £650,000 NCIL funding that would enable delivery shaped by community demand and contribute towards an overall investment package of £1.5m designed to build on the existing infrastructure of 150 bike hangers across the borough.

Taking the opportunity to highlight the wider community benefits of the scheme, members noted the role which the provision of secure cycle storage had not only in terms of improving safety and reducing theft (supporting community safety) but also in terms of supporting healthier lifestyles, provision of lower-cost and more sustainable travel options and helping the Council meet its climate ambitions all of which were directly linked to the Council’s transport strategy and climate commitments and reflecting how Brent was continuing to lead on a practical basis on measures designed to make sustainable travel easier.

Members also noted how the proposals had been developed to complement the growth of school streets, expansion of EV charging, investment in neighbourhood improvements and Council’s ongoing retrofit work which, taken together, it was felt also served to demonstrate local leadership on climate action.

In terms of the procurement process, members were advised that the proposed contract arrangements had been designed to support the installation, management and maintenance of the cycle parking provision over a five year period (with an option to extend) and would support delivery of at least 100 new units in 2025-26, focused on areas of highest demand and replacing ageing stock, where necessary. In noting the current cap on rental charges, assurance was also provided of the intention to maintain this rate under the tendering requirements for the new contract with the aim of keeping cycling affordable.

Whilst noting that demand for cycle storage provision would continue to exceed supply (with over 1,200 current live requests) members were advised the approach outlined had been designed to ensure the Council was able to continue responding to community demand, as funding became available with the investment identified as a further example of Brent leading the way in ensuring its infrastructure was able to keep pace with growth and technology and in seeking to create a lasting legacy of safer and healthier streets.

In commending and welcoming the joined up nature of the approach outlined within the report, members were keen to recognise the wider community benefits which it was felt increased access to secure cycle parking would provide not only in terms of encouraging a shift towards cycling as a more active and sustainable form of travel but also given the associated health and wellbeing benefits identified and contribution towards the borough’s climate and environmental commitments and in seeking to reduce transport inequality.  On this basis, having considered the report, Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the procurement of a five-year contract with provisions to extend for two years (in yearly increments), for an estimated total value of £1,500,000 to supply and install bike hangars/nests, management, maintenance, cleaning.

(2)       To note that the contract would include the delivery of £650,000 of NCIL funding for 2025-26 to support the expansion of secure cycle parking across the borough, as approved at Cabinet on 8 September 2025.

(3)       To approve inviting tenders for the Secure Cycle Parking – Supply and Installation, Management, Maintenance and Cleaning Contract, on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

(4)       To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in paragraph (3) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

(5)       To note that following the selection of the successful bidder, the matter will be referred to Cabinet for the award of the contract.

(6)       To note that approval was given to the Head of Healthy Streets and Parking at Cabinet on 19 May 2025 to apply grant and other funding secured to the project to enable further utilisation of the budget.

(7)       To note that the 2025/26 Secure Cycle Parking Programme included proposed site identification, consultation, and implementation plans.