Scope
Reference
SCC-2026-0659
Description
This procurement seeks a single provider to deliver safe, reliable and energy efficient festive lighting across seven Southampton district centres within a fixed annual budget.
The aim is to provide a coherent and durable scheme that supports local centres, prioritises public safety, reduces electricity use, maximises reuse of assets and adapts to changing site and infrastructure constraints.
Success relies on timely installation, consistent operation, robust maintenance and fault response, full compliance with technical and PFI requirements, and clear reporting. The council expects outcomes that maintain visual quality, minimise environmental impact and support smooth delivery over the full contract term, efficient festive lighting across seven Southampton district centres within a fixed annual budget.
The current spend for festive lighting is a fixed £60,000 per year for a fully managed service covering design, installation, maintenance, removal and storage across seven district centres, with electricity paid separately by the council.
Total value (estimated)
- £300,000 excluding VAT
- £360,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029
- Possible extension to 31 May 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 31522000 - Christmas tree lights
- 31527260 - Lighting systems
- 42131300 - Christmas trees and other assemblies of valves
- 51000000 - Installation services (except software)
Contract locations
- UKJ32 - Southampton
Engagement
Engagement deadline
13 February 2026
Engagement process description
Southampton City Council "The Council" or "SCC" is seeking a contractor for the supply, design, installation, maintenance/repairs and removal or Christmas lighting displays during the festive period across seven (7) districts across the city.
The contract is to run for an initial 3 years, with the potential to run for a maximum of 5 total years with 2x 12 month extension options.
As part of the tender requirements, SCC requires all bidding organisations (and any proposed sub-contractor) operating within the highway electrical sector to be registered to the Highway Electrical Registration Scheme (HERS), or equivalent, as the scheme works to ensure that all organisations operating within the sector are fully compliant with NHSS8.
The budget is fixed at a maximum of £60,000 per annum and the price evaluation will be evaluated against this fixed annual figure.
The tender is expected to be weighted at:
- Quality: 60%
- Price: 40%
With the following Method Statement Questions (MSQ)
1. Maintenance, Inspections & Call-outs - 15%
2. Design Approach & Visual Quality - 15%
3. Energy Efficiency & Electricity Management - 10%
4. Technical & Safety Approach - 10%
5. Delivery & Programme - 5%
6. Social Value Offering & Delivery - 5%
Note: These weightings and MSQs are open to being changed at the Council's discretion, at any time, in the lead up to tender publication.
Information on how to register to our e-tendering portal, Proactis, can be found at the following link
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/business-licensing/supply-council/supply-portal-instructions/
Please contact jack.martin@southampton.gov.uk for any queries you may have regarding this upcoming tender
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contracting authority
Southampton City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCGN-2413-RBTX
Civic Centre, Civic Centre Road
Southampton
SO14 7LY
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ32 - Southampton
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government