Scope
Reference
ERFX1008874
Description
Cardiff Riding School is the only Local Authority operated equestrian facility in Wales delivering riding lessons for schools, children and adults, disability groups, children`s parties and more recently for alternative curriculum for children at risk of failing in mainstream education. It also provides a livery for private horse owners.
The facility is set in the beautiful surrounding of Pontcanna Fields in the heart of the city with excellent public transport access. The facility is in need of capital investment and has potential for growth through broadening the education programme, better use of the outdoor space and products on offer.
The facility comprises: Indoor riding school - Building 45m x 40m but part of the 40m is gallery so actual riding area 45m x 25m. Outdoor riding school 40m x 40m. External fenced grounds of 35 acres including buildings, grounds (approx. 30 acres). Car Park for 50/60 cars. Stables x 39 stables, 8 stalls Livestock comprises: Horses x 43, 31 school horses, 12 livery horses, 1 of those working livery so works in the school
Ancillary facilities are as follows: First Aid, Feed, Staff Room, Demountable office, Caretakers House (24 hr care) BTEC classroom, Portable toilets, Barn with internal rooms for parties/pony club and feed storage.
Staffing consists of: Instructors x 6 contracted and 11 agency. Yard hands x 2 contracted and 13 agency. Assistant Management x 1. Receptionists x 3 contracted and 3 agency. 8.5 FTE’s.
Bookings Full daily Tuesday to Sunday 9am-8pm weekdays 9am-4.30pm weekends
Current estimated Annual Income: £570,000 Current estimated Annual Expenditure £98,000
www.outdoorcardiff.com/cardiff-riding-school
The aim is to attract an operator that can bring significant capital investment to the facility, protect, develop and enhance the existing programme. Manage, develop existing staff (TUPE will apply) and recruit new staff to grow and develop the educational offer. Provide new educational opportunities for children and young people linking with local schools, colleges and targeting children at risk of failing in mainstream education through providing vocational education opportunities. To modernise systems and develop the riding school as an equestrian centre of development and excellence.
The Council invites interested prospective contractors to lodge an initial expression of interest via Proactis and submit a questionnaire response before 12:00 noon on 11th March 2026
https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login
Participating in this exercise will not guarantee short-listing at a later stage in the procurement, likewise non-participation of the questionnaire or any engagement sessions will not result in a bidder being excluded from the tender process.
Total value (estimated)
- £18,000,000 excluding VAT
- £21,600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2026 to 1 December 2051
- 25 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79993000 - Building and facilities management services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
- 70332200 - Commercial property management services
- 70332100 - Land management services
- 70332000 - Non-residential property services
- 70330000 - Property management services of real estate on a fee or contract basis
- 92610000 - Sports facilities operation services
- 80513000 - Horse riding school services
- 45212290 - Repair and maintenance work in connection with sports facilities
- 45212110 - Leisure centre construction work
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Engagement
Engagement deadline
11 March 2026
Engagement process description
Initial expression of interest via Proactis and completion of the questionnaire by 12:00 (noon) on 11th March 2026. https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
3 August 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Concession
Contracting authority
Cardiff Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVHP-5769-YHRQ
County Hall
Cardiff
CF10 4UW
United Kingdom
Contact name: alex tombs
Telephone: +447815463657
Email: ardalprocurement@cardiff.gov.uk
Website: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales