Scope
Description
Stowmarket Town Council invites tenders for the design, supply, and installation of a new 40m x 40m play area at Stowmarket Recreation Ground. The play area will be enclosed by secure metal fencing, square in shape but with graded, sweeping rounded corners.
Safety surfacing will cover at least 75% of the total play area to ensure accessibility and compliance with all relevant safety standards, allowing for year-round use. The play space should be suitable for children aged 0-12 years.
The appointed contractor will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of the following:
Play equipment suitable for children aged 0-12 years and will specifically include swinging, bouncing, climbing, and sliding activities.
A central focal play structure which serves as a landmark attraction.
Safety surfacing compliant with BS EN 1177 or the applicable standard at the time of installation.
Secure 1.0-metre-high play-spec Bow Top metal fencing, galvanised and powder-coated black, with two gated entrances. This includes two pedestrian self-closing gates (1.0m high x 1.0m wide) complete with a closing device and powder-coated black box-section gate posts.
Seating, including a minimum of six benches on the inner outskirts of the play area, with additional seating integrated within and around the play equipment.
Utilise a black, white, red, and green colour palette, along with additional design elements to enhance and reinforce the theme. The preferred safety surfacing colours are black and green to manage colour degradation in future years.
Signage to indicate it is the Poppy Play Area with the design to include red and white poppies.
Inclusive and Accessible Design
The play area must cater for children of all abilities.
The site should be divided into zones for younger children 0-3 years (Infants and toddlers), 4-7 years (Early childhood) and 8-12 years (Older children).
The design should include accessible equipment that provides inclusive play opportunities, ensuring children of all abilities, including those with and without disabilities, can play together.
All elements of the scheme must meaningfully contribute to the following core play activities:
Swinging, Climbing, Sliding, Bouncing
Preparation and Groundworks
Contractors must ensure proper site preparation, including:
Levelling and preparation of the ground.
Installation of appropriate drainage systems.
Identification and protection of underground services
Integration of works with separate works required for security and lighting at the Recreation Ground.
Technical Requirements & Standards
All play equipment and surfacing must comply with BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards (or the applicable standard at the time of installation.)
The design must adhere to Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) guidelines for accessibility.
Contractors must demonstrate an approach to environmental sustainability, including:
Use of sustainable materials.
Eco-friendly manufacturing and transport.
Ethical waste disposal practices.
Safety surfacing shall be fully compliant with current British safety standards.
Whilst there is no preferred finish, loose-fill surfacing will not be accepted and details of the preparation of the sub-base should be included within the tender. All new surfacing must be installed on a properly prepared sub-base, not directly onto soil.
Site Visits
Contractors can arrange a site visit on the 23rd, 24th, or 25th of April 2025 at their own expense. Alternatively, another date can be arranged by prior agreement. The visit allows contractors to assess access, measurements, and surrounding conditions. To book a site visit, call 01449 612060 or email info@stowmarket.org. Only contractors who have conducted a site visit will be eligible to submit a tender.
Project Name:
Stowmarket Recreation Ground Play Area Development.
Location:
Stowmarket Recreation Ground, Recreation Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1PR. (What3words: indulges.rather.annual)
Budget:
£350,000 - £370,000 plus VAT
Project Lead:
Karl Daniels, Head of Community Services, Stowmarket Town Council. karld@stowmarket.org
Construction Timeline:
Winter 2025 - Spring 2026
(preferred from mid-November 2025 with completion March 2026)
Total value (estimated)
- £370,000 excluding VAT
- £444,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 November 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 4 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 37535100 - Swings
- 37535200 - Playground equipment
- 37535210 - Playground swings
- 37535220 - Playground climbing apparatus
- 37535230 - Playground merry go rounds
- 37535240 - Playground slides
- 37535250 - Playground see saws
- 37535292 - Rope climbing equipment
- 45236210 - Flatwork for children's play area
- 71500000 - Construction-related services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Contract award subject funding
Technical ability conditions of participation
Site Visits
Contractors can arrange a site visit on the 23rd, 24th, or 25th of April 2025 at their own expense. Alternatively, another date can be arranged by prior agreement. The visit allows contractors to assess access, measurements, and surrounding conditions. To book a site visit, call 01449 612060 or email info@stowmarket.org. Only contractors who have conducted a site visit will be eligible to submit a tender.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
23 May 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tender Submission Requirements
Tenders must be submitted as a fixed-price lump sum plus VAT, guaranteed for 12 months, using the provided Form of Tender.
All tender documentation must be returned by the deadline shown below.
The tender should include an A1 size (or similar) visual image of the play area and an electronic image of the play area which can be shown on screen as part of the Evaluation session.
Submission format:
Sealed envelope marked "TENDER FOR STOWMARKET RECREATION GROUND PLAY AREA".
Sent to: Head of Community Services, Stowmarket Town Council, Milton House, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1EZ.
Submission deadline: 12 Noon on Friday, 23rd May 2025.
Late submissions will not be considered.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
10 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play Value & Design | Play Value & Design (40%) • Quality of design and alignment with core facilities in the specification. • Play value and inclusivity. • Appeal, attractiveness, and inventiveness of design at ground... |
Quality | 40% |
| Construction & Durability | Construction & Durability (20%) • Material durability and resistance to anti-social behaviour. • Sourcing details for addressing damage to flooring and play equipment. |
Quality | 20% |
| Inclusivity | Inclusivity (10%) • Fulfilment of accessibility standards. • Inclusion of play equipment and experiences that cater to a diverse range of needs. |
Quality | 10% |
| Sustainability | Sustainability (10%) • Tenderers must submit an Environmental Statement outlining how they and their suppliers are minimising environmental impact, including: Sourcing of materials. Manufacturing... |
Quality | 10% |
| Pricing & Value for money | Pricing & Value for Money (10%) Cost-effectiveness of the proposal in relation to quality and longevity. |
Price | 10% |
| References | References (10%) • Proven experience in delivering similar projects. |
Quality | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
Stowmarket Town Council Recreation Ground Development Project - Form of Tender 080425.pdf
Tender Document and form of Tender
Stowmarket Town Council Recreation Ground Development Project - Tender Document 080425.pdf
Contracting authority
Stowmarket Town Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWH-4449-MRTX
Milton Road South
Stowmarket
IP141EZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government