Worcestershire Parkway -Mace Direct Award

Further to recent discussions, we are seeking a direct appointment of Mace supported by Tony Gee as their subcontractor to assist with reviewing and designing options for new rail crossings at Worcestershire Parkway. \r

\r

The total cost for this commission is: £98,445.76. I understand that under the framework guidance, direct appointments over £10,000 in value can be approved at Director level in exceptional circumstances but only up to the FTS threshold value (this commission falls under the FTS threshold).\r

\r

This appointment was recommended by the Technical Director given the specialist nature of the work and track record of the team at York Central. \r

\r

Context: \r

\r

Worcestershire Parkway is an identified accelerator site and comprises a new settlement of 10,000 homes (we will claim 1000 direct outputs and a further 9000 indirect outputs). This work is needed to inform the preparation of the Full Business Case for forward funding of primary infrastructure (anticipated in Spring 2026) to unlock and accelerate development. The delivery of the settlement is contingent on upgrades to two existing rail crossings that are constrained: \r

\r

1. The existing overbridge over the B4084 is too narrow and cannot accommodate the predicted number of car movements. A new all modes bridge, for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists will be required between the western neighbourhoods and the town centre including to provide access to a new secondary school. \r

\r

2. A new underpass is required to replace the existing underpass to link the main town centre and southern neighbourhoods with the B4084. The existing underpass has restricted height and is too narrow to accommodate active travel routes as part of a sustainable movement strategy.