Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
UNIVERSITY OF DERBY
Kedleston Road
DERBY
DE221GB
Contact
Denise China
Telephone
+44 1332592004
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKF - East Midlands (England)
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://www.derby.ac.uk/services/finance/procurement-suppliers-and-tendering/
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Hospitality, Leisure and Events Services
Reference number
PROC DMC ITT/418
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 55520000 - Catering services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
This is a PIN Notice (Prior Information Notice) to advertise a forthcoming opportunity to manage / operate the weddings and events business at a prestigious and historic venue.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £2,500,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
Main site or place of performance
Devonshire Dome, Buxton
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Set in the heart of the spa town of Buxton in the beautiful Peak District, the Devonshire Dome is one of the most dramatic venues in the UK. Once a magnificent 18th-century stable block built to house the 5th Duke of Devonshire's horses and servants, this Grade II* listed building offers a breath-taking backdrop for weddings and celebrations.
The Devonshire Dome is already a popular venue, attracting regular wedding business and proving popular for banqueting and corporate events. Suitable for banquets from 100 to 700 guests, the Dome can be configured to give a unique setting which is unrivalled in the region. The Dome also has professional catering kitchens available, these prove extremely popular with the Asian Market who prefer to bring their own catering. Arrangements are in place with local catering suppliers.
The University now wishes to engage with suitable operators, preferably already active in the UK Wedding market, with a strong knowledge of the Asian Wedding sector.
To date the venue has been operated by an in-house team, but due to the relocation of a number of Higher Education courses, there is now an opportunity to further optimise commercial usage of the venue.
The University has increased its inventory of available dates and now wishes to pursue a growth strategy by increasing the profile and reach of the Dome and grow volume and yield over the next 5 years from April 2022.
________________________________________
More information
Commercial Performance
The venue has a typical turnover of circa £500k from hire fees which include weddings, conferences and banqueting.
This was obviously affected in 2020/21 but enquiries and forward bookings are strong.
There is significant potential for growth in the wedding sector.
Experience in the wedding sector is essential as we wish to grow the business. Commercial models are open to discussion.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
1 November 2021
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This is a PIN notice to gauge interest from suppliers. Please e-mail procurement@derby.ac.uk to register your interest.