Scope
Description
Background
Greatness Recreation Ground has become more and more popular as a local open space facility. It is developing from an original open space recreation ground into a more formal park. This is likely to only increase with a neighbouring development of approximately 900 dwellings to be started within the next five years.
It is also the home of the very successful Sevenoaks Town Football Club, which brings many visitors to the park. During 2026 the football club's new pavilion is due to be completed.
Bearing in mind all these changes Sevenoaks Town Council carried out a community survey relating to the future of the open space and its facilities.
From the responses it was clear that the current play area which has been in place for fifteen years needed to be reviewed and upgraded. Following consultation, it was also agreed to move its location to enable families who were already on the grass area to have a child use the play area without crossing the car park. The proposed new location would also be nearer the new pavilion which will have toilets and a café.
Key Points
1. The tender is for a completely new playground on a field.
Therefore, infrastructure e.g. drainage, fencing, safety surface, entry gates required.
2. Aimed at primary school children
3. Natural look equipment rather than bright colours, meeting ROSPA standards
4. Requires some DDA compliant inclusive play equipment
5. Requires some shading (preferably natural e.g. trees). Must retain the existing tree, ideally within the proposed footprint, or otherwise just outside of it)
6. To create a wetpour base with a new wetpour safety surface which compiles with BSEN 1176 and has a minimum guarantee of 2 years but preferably longer. A maintenance plan is a desirable extra service we would like. The product should have been tested in accordance with BS EN 1177 and BS EN 7188.
7. Timetable
• May 2026 public consultation on preferred options
A1 size image of play area to be provided.
• July 2026 appointment of contractor
• October 2026 installation
8. Size of play area
Existing: Approx 32.7m length x 19.5m width
New: 41.5m length x 17m width
Budget for the Project
Maximum budget for the play area project is £200,000. £240000 inclusive of VAT.
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 1 August 2026
- 1 month, 1 day
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 43325000 - Park and playground equipment
- 45112723 - Landscaping work for playgrounds
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
- Suppliers from Kent
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
28 February 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Please submit tenders via email to rfo@sevenoakstown.gov.uk
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
The contract will be evaluated on the following basis:
Complete Written Tender 10%
Trade References 5%
Best Value / Equipment for Play Area 20%
Inclusive Play Elements 15%
Additional facilities, fencing, safety surface 10%
Price 20%
Feedback from Public 10%
Maintenance Requirements 10%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
STC Tender Letter - Greatness Play Area (4 GE).docx
Tender Letter
Tender Questionnaire - Greatness Recreation Ground Play Area (F).docx
Tender Questionnaire
Contracting authority
Sevenoaks Town Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWRT-7368-MNDD
Sevenoaks Town Council Offices, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3QG
sevenoaks
TN13 3QG
United Kingdom
Contact name: Georgina Jackson
Telephone: 01732 459953
Email: rfo@sevenoakstown.gov.uk
Website: https://www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk/
Region: UKJ46 - West Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government