Scope
Reference
BPC2026
Description
Bathampton Parish Council is seeking to appoint an experienced and suitably qualified playground contractor to remove existing playground equipment and surfacing and to design, supply, deliver and install a new children's playground, including site preparation, removal of existing surface, and installation of new safety surfacing.
The project aims to create a safer, more inclusive, and engaging play space that meets the standards of the Association of Play Industries (API). This includes inclusive play equipment for a range of age groups, new safety-compliant surfacing, seating, access improvements, and compliance with relevant British Standards.
Scope of Works: (see attached tender Specification)
Removal and safe disposal of existing playground equipment and surfacing. 'No
surface overlay'. Where appropriate suppliers should explore opportunities to
recycle or refurbish existing equipment.
Design and installation of new play equipment catering to a range of ages
incorporating inclusive and accessible play elements. A key requirement is the
inclusion of equipment specifically designed for older children (over 7 years of age), Offering challenging features such as climbing structures that provide
social play and physical engagement, while limiting access to younger children
for safety.
In addition, there should be equipment that enables younger children (pre school) to play safely and independently, encouraging self-development and
self-confidence. A multi play structure featuring a bridge and slide, which is popular with current playground users is highly desirable and something that was noted in the Community survey.
The Survey with the community noted the wish to retain some of the well-loved traditional features of the current playground, specifically noting the older children's swings, basket swing, zip -wire and toddler swings. The roundabout and see-saw are well used amongst all age groups. We are keen to see proposals
that incorporate modernised versions of these classics, alongside new, innovative and engaging play equipment.
The design should include a zipwire at least the length of the existing one. If the budget does not permit a full replacement, the quote should include the replacing of the ramp, repainting of the structure and installing new safety surfacing (grass matting) underneath.
Older Children (7+): There was strong demand in the survey for challenging equipment such as monkey bars, social climbing structures, and potentially a high slide incorporated into a play structure. Equipment should promote physical activity and social interaction while limiting access to younger children
for safety.
Pre-School Children (Under 5): There is demand for safer, more accessible equipment that supports independent play. The community survey noted preference for an improved bridge and slide multi play structure. The current toddler bridge and slide unit was frequently cited as unsafe due to ladder spacing and shared use by older children. Our preference is to have no springers.
Install new playground surfacing that complies with safety standards. Wet pour surfacing is preferred for its durability and low maintenance. 'No overlay please
and to include new base'. Coloured or flecked finishes are desirable to compliment the green setting. Sections of Dura Lawn may also be considered as well as colourful designs around the younger children's play equipment for visual appeal. Ideally, the wet pour should form one continuous pad to minimise edges,
while maintaining natural grass around the perimeter.
The Contractor is responsible for any necessary site preparation, levelling, drainage, and base construction to ensure compliant installation of surfacing and equipment.
The proposed design should exclude trampolines, sand pits, tunnels and other features that require frequent or intensive maintenance. Proposed equipment should prioritise durability, ease of upkeep and long-term resilience, ensuring
the Playground remains safe, functional and cost-effective over time.
To provide inclusive, fun and colourful equipment where possible to enhance visual appeal.
Provision of additional seating is essential, ideally the majority to be on hard standing areas and something that was a noted as being a key priority by the community. This should include a mix of benches (we currently have three) and
picnic tables, with some designed to be fully accessible for people with limited mobility or using wheelchairs. Consideration should also be given to incorporating fun, casual, child-friendly seating that is easily accessible for children during play.
Ensure compliance with relevant British Standards for playground equipment
and safety surfaces (e.g. BS EN 1176, BS EN 1177). Please include details of all warranties and guarantees with your quote.
To include improved access from the pavement to the pedestrian entrance of the playground. This currently grassed section should be replaced with a more accessible, durable and sympathetic surface to ensure safe and inclusive entry
for all users.
To include all preliminaries e.g. fencing, storage, welfare and post installation inspection and secure boundaries where required.
Contractors must hold public liability insurance of at least £5 million and employers' liability insurance of at least £10 million.
Quotes to include delivery.
Optional: use of sustainable materials and eco-conscious solutions.
Community Consultation:
Final designs will be selected by BPC and will be shared with the Community for feedback and input. If chosen, suppliers may be required to provide visual design materials suitable for public display such as posters, boards.
The tender may include some substitution / specified changes after the receipt of quotes. The Council intends to select designs for public consultation. As a result, minor adjustments to the equipment selection or positioning may be required. Suppliers should allow in their pricing for minor changes to equipment
selection or positioning following public consultation, within the overall contract budget. Any changes will be agreed with the chosen supplier prior to the start of the works.
Location of Works:
Bathampton Village Playground, Bathampton, Bath, Holcombe Lane.
Contractors can visit the site 24/7 to fully understand the project, context, access and grounds.
Design plan of the existing Playground provided for reference (included in tender doc attached).
How to Apply:
Please submit your tender electronically to bathamptonparishclerk@gmail.com with
subject line: Bathampton Playground Redevelopment Tender Submission.
Submissions must include:
Design proposals (with visuals)
Itemised quote (inc. VAT)
Proposed timescales
Evidence of relevant experience
References from at least two recent similar projects
Health & Safety and insurance documentation
Additional Information:
A community consultation will be undertaken. The Parish Council is committed to
further involving residents throughout the final design and planning stages. Tenderers
may be asked to attend a public meeting or present final designs to the Council.
Total value (estimated)
- £108,000 excluding VAT
- £129,600 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 May 2026 to 1 June 2026
- 1 month, 1 day
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 37535200 - Playground equipment
- 45212140 - Recreation installation
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
UK suppliers
Conditions of participation
Suppliers must be based in the United Kingdom and able to deliver and install the playground within the project timeline. Suppliers should have experience in similar playground projects. Minor amendments to equipment or positioning may be required after public consultation, within the overall project budget. The council welcomes bids from SMEs and local suppliers.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
20 February 2026, 11:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Electronically submitted tenders: Tenders must be submitted electronically via email to bathamptonparishclerk@gmail.com. We do not have a portal on our website: https://bathamptonparishcouncil.org.uk
Please include the subject line: 'Bathampton Playground Redevelopment Tender Submission'. Submissions should include: design proposals with visuals, itemised quote (net and VAT), proposed timescales, evidence of relevant experience, references, and Health & Safety and insurance documentation. Late submissions may not be considered.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Design, safety, inclusivity, innovation, maintenance, longevity. compliance with relevant standards and regulations |
Quality | 50% |
| Cost | Value for money, whole life cost |
Cost | 30% |
| Experience and refences | Previous experience delivering similar playground projects, references from other councils or clients, and evidence of quality workmanship |
Quality | 20% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
Bathampton Parish Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRYJ-4715-CRBJ
69 Holcombe Close
Bath
BA2 6UP
United Kingdom
Contact name: Liz Daly
Email: bathamptonparishclerk@gmail.com
Website: https://bathamptonparishcouncil.org.uk/
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government