Decision details

Hemel Garden Communities (HGC) is an ambitious development programme that will transform Hemel Hempstead and create attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods and communities to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead, through the delivery of more than 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs by 2050.
Dacorum Borough Council, working in partnership with St Albans City and District Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and The Crown Estate to deliver the HGC programme, which will provide a variety of benefits to Hemel Hempstead. These include new high-quality homes, of which 40 per cent will be affordable. New neighbourhoods will be set around vibrant local centres, green spaces and play areas, all easily accessed on foot. Sustainable travel such as walking, cycling and public transport will be given priority as we target a greener, healthier environment, which includes open spaces as well as new country and district parks.
HGC will create 10,000 new jobs. Many of these will be in Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter, a new business park with a range of facilities including flexible office and industrial spaces, and a variety of amenities to serve the local community.

To award a contract to Bloom Procurement Services Ltd for consultancy support on the Hemel Garden Communities Programme.

The Council does not have the internal capability to deliver this role. It requires external support with the right skills and experience to deliver the Hemel Garden Communities programme. The Hemel Garden Communities programme is a key part of the future development of Hemel Hempstead and an overall priority for the Hertfordshire Growth Board as it is one of the major growth hubs in the County.
Due to the previous Director leaving the role at short notice, the Council need to appoint an interim as soon as possible so the programme can keep moving forward. If the Council looked to award this through a normal tendering process then it will be a minimum of 3 months before the contract would be awarded. Due to the experience of the individual and speed of appointment required, it makes it appropriate for this to be a direct award contract.