02-Procurement Strategy-AT-HC-2025 Cemetery Exten-02

Descriptions

Site construction and completion This procurement relates exclusively to Stage 2: the appointment of a Design and Management Team, including a Planning Consultant, to manage the project from RIBA Stage 1 to Stage 6. The appointed consultant will be responsible for: Developing the design and managing delivery of the extension. Handling all planning matters, including statutory consultation. Securing all necessary permits and consents. Coordinating environmental and ground surveys. Negotiating with the Local Planning Authority. The planning process is complex and sensitive, involving change of land use from allotments, statutory engagement, and compliance with environmental requirements. Internal capacity does not exist to deliver this work in-house. Specialist external expertise is essential to: Reduce planning risk. Ensure statutory compliance. Maintain programme momentum and meet the April 2030 deadline. Planning officers have advised that a consultant with extensive experience in cemetery projects is required to manage these challenges effectively.

Engagement

The Council carried out market engagement to identify suppliers with the specialist capability required for the Reading Crematorium and Henley Road Cemetery extension project. Engagement focused on firms experienced in cemetery, burial ground and environmentally sensitive infrastructure design, including direct outreach and a second round via a recognised framework.