Folca 2 Phase 2 - Lead Designer Appointment

FHDC has recently appointed a Lead Design Team to deliver RIBA Stages 3-7 of the Folca 2 phase 2 project, covering detailed design through to project completion. As part of the procurement process, bidders for the Lead Design Team were required to propose a full consultant team capable of delivering Phase 2 and meeting all project requirements.

While the Fire Consultant forms an integral part of the proposed consultant team, current insurance market restrictions - particularly in relation to Professional Indemnity Insurance for fire safety - prevent their appointment through standard collateral warranties, as would typically apply to other consultants. These constraints have significantly limited architects' ability to secure Professional Indemnity Insurance covering fire safety matters.

As such, this issue is not specific to any one bidder and would apply equally to any Lead Designer appointed by FHDC for this project. As a result, it is necessary for FHDC to appoint the Fire Consultant directly. Osborn Associates is the fire consultant proposed by the Lead Designer (Medical Architecture) in their tender.