Scope
Description
INTRODUCTION
Little Missenden Parish council invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors for the design, supply, and installation of a new play area for children aged 2-11 years at Little Missenden play area.
All suppliers submitting a response to this tender must be current members of the Association of Play Industries (API). As the UK's leading trade body for play equipment manufacturers and installers, API membership ensures suppliers meet high standards of safety, quality, and ethical conduct.
Tenderers must include their API membership number in their submission. Submissions from non-members will not be considered
This opportunity is open to companies with a proven track record in delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative play solutions for public spaces. The successful bidder will be expected to deliver a full design-and-build package.
PROJECT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
The play area consists of a mixture of new metal equipment and old wooden play equipment.
We would like to remove the old wooden equipment and replace with new modern equipment.
Key aims:
• Remove wooden trail, wooden swings, small toddler unit and roundabout.
• Leaving new basket swing, slide and the three floor standing treehouses
• Provide new inclusive, accessible equipment suitable for ages 2-14
• Enhance year-round usability through improved surfacing
• Reflect the natural setting through material choices and design themes
• Provide a safe and stimulating environment aligned with national play standards (EN 1176/EN 1177)
Budget
The proposed budget is £54,000 (Ex VAT).
The full budget should be used but not exceeded.
All features included within the design must be included within the budget and quotation, there must be no 'suggested' additional works shown in the design outside the tendered price.
Project Background & Site-Specific Requirements
Current situation
The current play area suffers from various issues, both naturally occurring and the current equipment, surfacing and general design. The Council would like to see a design that not only considers the site challenges but enhances play values.
The play area is in a conservation area and can lay wet during winter months so no wood to be used colours must be muted preferably browns and greens to help blend into the surrounding environment
Note: The site has access via a five-bar field gate and plenty of parking within the play area.
However, the site can lay wet during winter months.
Objective example
To enhance the play area, introducing exciting new equipment to work alongside existing equipment.
Site set-up:
• Welfare (drinking water and a portable toilet) must be provided for the duration of the Works.
• Heras Fencing must be established around the entire site for the duration of the Works, with sufficient CDM signage.
• Compound and Access Route: details on the tender submission should include any vehicle access route and contractor parking, proposed compound, and processes to mitigate any impact on the community such as vehicle movement, noise, or any other factors. This should be in the form of a concise or simplified construction plan (maximum 1 page) to evidence some thought has been considered to the site in terms of delivering the project.
Project Specification
The Council is seeking a play area that incorporates imagination, challenge and excitement for the target age group, reflecting the priorities identified through consultation. The equipment list provided gives a broad indication of the Council's and community's vision, while allowing Contractor flexibility to propose innovative solutions from their own product ranges.
Contractors are encouraged to demonstrate a range of play values and disciplines, clearly identifying the play value of each item proposed. The playscape should provide opportunities for both physical and social development through a varied and engaging play environment.
The play equipment items to be considered must include, but are not restricted to:
Essential
1x swing set with one flat and one cradle seat with possible a two-person swing
1x roundabout (above ground)
1x infant multi play
1x junior multi play
1x springer only if funds allow
1x stepping mushrooms
1x interactive station with a Little Missenden sign
Materials
The Council expects all equipment to be constructed from high-quality, durable, and low-maintenance materials suitable for intensive public use. A range of material options will be considered, including but not limited to
FOR EXAMPLE,
• High Pressured Laminate panels
• Hot dipped zinc galvanized and stainless steel.
• Additional materials are acceptable for non-structural parts.
• Fixings should be anti-tamper style (Torx Screws), and any bolts covered with protective caps.
• Chains should be stainless steel.
• Structural rope should have a steel core.
Further information/ comment:
Existing Seats and bins will remain
No equipment higher than 4 metres
No wooden equipment.
On surfacing, we would like all old pads overlaid with mulch and cut and tucked into grass.
Safety Surfacing Safety Surfacing
The Council expects all surfacing to comply with EN 1177 and for test certificates to be provided as part of the tender submission.
Contractors should propose a suitable surfacing solution based on the design, fall heights, site conditions and accessibility needs.
Please ensure proposals include:
• Surfacing type and depth
• Sub-base and edging detail
• Compliance and certification information
• Warranties and maintenance requirements
Surfacing Options (to adapt or remove as required)
• Rubber Mulch
Excavate to achieve flush finish. Install 100mm MOT Type 1 compacted stone beneath surface. Edges to be trench-cut into grass
• Re-Instatement
All damage resulting from removals, vehicle movement, installation, deliveries or any other aspect of the Works, must be repaired to at least the condition of that item or items or replaced with the same or similar alternative/s. This includes any ground repair that either needs soil, grading and grass seed for minor damage, or new turf for any major damage.
• Post Installation Inspection
A post installation inspection by an independent RPii qualified inspector (i.e. Play Inspection Company, RoSPA or other similar provider) is required to sign off the completed installation. The contractor should allow for this cost within their tender price.
CONTRACTUAL & LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Insurance Requirements
The successful contractor must hold and submit evidence of the following:
• Public Liability Insurance: £10 million minimum
• Product Liability Insurance: £5 million minimum
• Employer's Liability Insurance: £5 million minimum
• Professional Indemnity: £1 million minimum
• Contract Works Insurance: Covering full contract value
Construction & Safety Compliance
All works must comply with:
• BS EN 1176 / 1177 Standards
• CDM Regulations 2015
• Any relevant local planning or safety policies
Post-Award Requirements
The selected contractor will be required to provide:
• Construction Phase Plan
• Programme of Works
• Risk Assessment & Method Statements
• Site setup drawings
• Traffic & access plan
• Key contacts/escalation plan
Contract Agreement
The acceptance of a tendered price by LITTLE MISSENDEN PARISH COUNCIL shall form the basis of a binding contract which shall be governed by English Law.
This document, together with the drawings, specifications, and any correspondence made to clarify the Contractor's tendered price and the play area layout design shall form the contract. The successful Contractor will enter a contract by way of signing a Council Issued terms and conditions.
Total value (estimated)
- £54,000 excluding VAT
- £64,800 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 1 September 2026
- 2 months, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 43325000 - Park and playground equipment
- 45212140 - Recreation installation
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 February 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
31 March 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
CONTACT FOR THIS TENDER
All enquiries must be directed to the Parish Council's appointed contact:
Contact Name: Paul Isom
Title: Open Spaces and Compliance Officer
Email: open.spaces@littlemissendenparish.gov.uk
Phone: 01494 414995
No other council staff or councillors are to be contacted. Doing so may result in disqualification.
Your submission must include:
• Completed Tender Form - Evaluation criteria
• 3D Visual
• 2D Layout or CAD Plan
• Detailed Itemised Quote incl. surfacing, install, equipment list
Submission Format - Presentation Boards
Tenderers are required to submit concept designs in the form of presentation boards. To support clear and consistent evaluation, we recommend the following maximum number of boards based on project value:
• Project Value • Maximum Boards • Recommended Size
• £20,000-£50,000 • Up to 2 boards • A1
• £50,000-£100,000 • Up to 3 boards • A1
• £100,000+ • Up to 5 boards • A1
Boards should clearly illustrate the proposed design, key equipment, layout plan, inclusivity features, materials, and play value.
Tender Submission Instructions
Your response to this invitation to tender must be received by the closing time and date stated above and delivered to the location specified. Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope or package, addressed to the Open spaces and Compliance officer, and clearly marked with the invitation to tender title: Design, Supply and Installation of Playground Equipment at Little Missenden Play area.
No reference to the bidder's name or branding should appear on the outer envelope or package, as all submissions must remain anonymous until the tender opening, where all envelopes will be opened together.
Tenders may also be submitted by email. Tenderers are prohibited from contacting Councillors or staff to encourage or support their tender outside the prescribed process.
https://www.littlemissendenparish.gov.uk
Address:
Open Spaces and Compliance Officer
Little Missenden Parish Council
Parish Office
38 New Pond Road
Holmer Green
Bucks
HP15 6SU
Email: open.spaces@littlemissendenparish.gov.uk
Use subject line: Tender Submission - Little Missenden Play area
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
All tenders will be assessed against the following 100% Quality weighted criteria:
Quality of Design: Play Value & aesthetics 40%
Inclusivity, Accessibility & Layout 15%
Materials, Guarantees & Maintenance Considerations 10%
Ability to deliver/references 5%
Sustainability 10%
Social Value 10%
Presentation of Submission (Visuals, Quotes,) 10%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
LITTLE MISSENDEN PARISH COUNCIL
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVCV-7928-MJMH
Council Offices, 38 New Pond Road
Holmer Green
HP15 6SU
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government