Scope
Description
Ashington Town Council invites qualified and experienced play area developers to tender for the planning, consultation, design, and installation of a new play area at North Seaton Colliery. This tender forms part of our selection process to identify a supplier, with detailed designs and final costs to be developed following a community consultation process.
Project Overview
The Council seeks to develop a new play area at North Seaton Colliery, Links View, Ashington that delivers:
An accessible play space for children of all abilities.
Sustainable design and materials.
Equipment that encourages imaginative and physical play.
A space that reflects the needs and desires of the local community.
A facility that enhances the local environment.
Approach
The Council will shortlist suppliers, following submissions.
Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to a presentation.
Selection of Supplier: Based on capability, experience, approach to community engagement, and sustainable design principles.
Development Phase: Following selection, the appointed supplier will lead community engagement and develop detailed designs and costings.
Budget Considerations
It is important to note that:
The total budget for this project is not yet finalised but is expected to be in the region of £50,000 - £60,000.
Funding will comprise a combination of external funding and capital funds set aside by the Council.
The budget flexibility allows designs to be scaled according to funding secured.
Value for money will be a consideration in the final design approval.
Clarification of Funding Timeline
While the total budget is yet to be finalised, the Council expects to firm up funding upon completion of the design and cost estimation phase. Tenderers should be prepared to propose scalable options that can be adapted based on available funding.
Evaluation Criteria
Tenders will be evaluated on:
Technical capability and products (25%)
Design approach and philosophy
Equipment quality and innovation
Technical expertise in play area development
Previous experience (25%)
Track record of similar community play projects
Evidence of successful community engagement
References and case studies
Ethics and Environmental Responsibility (30%)
Sustainability of materials and processes
Accessibility and inclusivity approach
Environmental impact considerations
Presentation (20%)
Clarity & structure of the proposal (5%)
Depth of understanding of project requirements (5%)
Approach to community engagement (5%)
Responses to questions during Q&A (5%)
For enquiries and submissions:
Sarah Eden - Executive Officer/RFO
Ashington Town Council
Town Hall, 65 Station Road
Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8RU
Direct Dial Desk phone: (01670) 338775
Mobile: 07931538785
Total value (estimated)
- £60,000 excluding VAT
- £72,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 June 2025 to 31 October 2025
- 4 months, 20 days
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Additional equipment or enhancements could be established depending on funding secured.
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45112723 - Landscaping work for playgrounds
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
UK suppliers
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
2 May 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
16 May 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Award criteria
Tenders will be evaluated on:
Technical capability and products (25%)
Design approach and philosophy
Equipment quality and innovation
Technical expertise in play area development
Previous experience (25%)
Track record of similar community play projects
Evidence of successful community engagement
References and case studies
Ethics and Environmental Responsibility (30%)
Sustainability of materials and processes
Accessibility and inclusivity approach
Environmental impact considerations
Presentation (20%)
Clarity & structure of the proposal (5%)
Depth of understanding of project requirements (5%)
Approach to community engagement (5%)
Responses to questions during Q&A (5%)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/news/news.php?s=2025-04-10-tender-opportunity-north-seaton-colliery-play-area
https://www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/news/news.php?s=2025-04-10-tender-opportunity-north-seaton-colliery-play-area
Technical specifications to be met
https://www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/news/news.php?s=2025-04-10-tender-opportunity-north-seaton-colliery-play-area
Contracting authority
ASHINGTON TOWN COUNCIL
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMBD-5296-GYMY
TOWN HALL, 65 STATION ROAD
ASHINGTON
NE63 8RU
United Kingdom
Region: UKC21 - Northumberland
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government