Figure 5: Early stage design visualisation
The outcome of the 24 month study was a detailed
investigation of the visual impact of the Crossing. It
was manifested in the reference design which was
submitted for various approvals including a successful
Public Enquiry in 2009. Eventually the scheme
received a formal approval by Secretary of State in
late 2010. Dialogue stage, the Client was backed by a core team
of advisers, covering a broad range of technical
expertise supporting HBC and assessing design
proposals to ensure that the proposals met the design
criteria set out in the DAS and other technical
specifications. Financial close, and award of the
contract, was achieved at the end of March 2014.
The procurement was based on PPP process where
the design and its visual quality were key driving
factors whilst providing flexibility for bidders. The successful tender was prepared by a team
comprised of COWI, Fhecor and DISSING+WEITLING
for the construction JV consisting of Kier, Samsung
and FCC.
The Council decided to announce a Competitive
Dialogue Process, in which the three pre-qualified
bidders would develop a tender design over a period
of 13 months subdivided by interim submissions and
supported by dialogue sessions.
Tender documents included a narrative-based design
guide in the form of a Design & Access Statement
(DAS). It defined the principles and requirements for
design quality in relation to design functionality,
impact and visual quality of the project.
Alongside providing information to the Council, which
would assist them in the course of the tender, the
DAS was the central reference document for planners
and bidders. It provided a design description with an
emphasis of the design intent, clearly outlining the
desired qualities of design and architecture.
Flexibility was provided so that bidders could seek
innovative solutions. Throughout the Competitive
As part of the Competitive Dialogue process, this
team prepared a set of preliminary design drawings
and architectural images that complied with the
requirements set out in the DAS. Their proposals were
subsequently bound into the final contract prior to
award.
In order to deliver the contract and to administer and
oversee the construction and maintenance of the new
crossing, HBC have established an arms-length entity
named the “Mersey Gateway Crossings Board” (the
Board). The Board receives support from a Technical
and Contractual Adviser (TCA) consisting of an
interdisciplinary team of specialists.
As with the bidding phase before, the central task of
the TCA is to review, advise, monitor, and audit the
construction works. One of the core competencies
being to safeguard the design concept outlined in the
DAS and preliminary design proposals.
3/2017