e-mosty September 2017: Mersey Gateway Bridge. Arenales Bridge. Mersey Gateway Bridge. Arenales Bridge. BLWT. | Page 8

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