Scope
Reference
FI/PRO/TEN/619
Description
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has received funding through the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to develop and deliver a PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan. Programme 1 entitled ‘Our Historical Borough’ will ensure the regeneration and connectivity of heritage and historical sites throughout the Borough.
As part of this, Council will deliver a range of new heritage focused visitor products, including walking and driving trails, promoted through two central Heritage Hubs. This programme will provide a platform for building a strong and vibrant local historical and tourism economy, whilst protecting and supporting the growth and knowledge of our shared history for many years to come.
As part of the ‘Our Historical Borough’ Programme, Council seeks to deliver the following projects:
• The creation of two designated Heritage Hubs - one in Antrim and one in Newtownabbey
• The creation of five themed driving trails across the Borough
• The creation of ten walking trails across the Borough
• A full signage and wayfinding upgrade of heritage sites across the Borough
• The development of an app to accompany the trails giving additional information on secondary sites of interest and visitor information.
The purpose of this questionnaire is to gain an understanding of the latest developments, technology and products in the tourism and heritage industry, in relation to the above projects and how this can inform the Council’s tender specification.
Any information gathered will NOT be considered in any future tender evaluation exercise.
Participation or non-participation in this pre-procurement market engagement shall not prevent any supplier participating in a potential procurement process nor is it intended that any information supplied shall place any supplier at an advantage in any upcoming procurement process.
For avoidance of doubt, this stage of the project is not part of a formal procurement process. Any procurement process will be conducted in accordance with rules and regulations applicable to projects funded under the PEACEPLUS programme.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 31 December 2028
- 2 years, 5 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
- 75125000 - Administrative services related to tourism affairs
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Engagement
Engagement deadline
20 March 2026
Engagement process description
The Council would like to invite participation in the market engagement exercise through the completion of the questionnaire.
This questionnaire will be used to assist the Council to gain a better understanding of the feasibility of the requirements, the most appropriate approach, the capacity of the market to deliver and any possible risks or issues that may not have previously been considered.
Any submission received in response to this exercise will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and the Council.
In addition, depending on the volume of responses, the Council may wish to follow up the questionnaire with a face to face or virtual meetings with respondents.
Each meeting will provide an opportunity for further mutual understanding of the individual response and any potential issues around this procurement including, but not limited to any risks or issues that may not have previously been considered.
If the Council exercises its right to engage in follow up meetings, the respondents will be contacted with the dates and times available for meetings. While the Council will attempt to accommodate respondents’ preferences, meetings will be scheduled on a first come basis. In addition, where any respondent has a special requirement such as video conferencing (should they be based in other jurisdictions), they should highlight it in their response and the Council will do their best to make the necessary provisions.
Further details on the process are available in the documentation whch can be accessed via eSourcingNI. The questionnaire must be submitted via eSourcingNI by Friday, 20 March 2026 at 12noon.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
30 April 2026
Contracting authority
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPMH-6391-HGCQ
50 Stiles Way
Antrim
BT41 2UB
United Kingdom
Region: UKN0D - Antrim and Newtownabbey
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland