Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Shaftesbury Town Council
Shaftesbury Town Council, The High Street
Shaftesbury
SP78LY
Contact
Billy Maddock
assistanttownclerk@shaftesbury-tc.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1747852420
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKK25 - Dorset
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.shaftesbury-tc.gov.uk/
one.3) Communication
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
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Expression of Interest - Cafe Operator
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 55330000 - Cafeteria services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Expression of Interest: Café Operator - Mampitts Community Hub
Shaftesbury Town Council invites experienced café operators to express interest in running a new café within the planned Mampitts Community Hub in Shaftesbury.
This is an early information-gathering exercise to explore potential café operations that support the community-focused vision of the hub. The café will be part of a vibrant, inclusive space serving a growing residential area of over 2,000 people.
The opportunity includes use of a fully fitted café space, external seating, access to facilities, and options to engage with community activities in the adjacent park.
Interested operators should share their background, community approach, operational needs, and any questions to help shape the project. This is not a formal procurement but will inform future stages.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 55330000 - Cafeteria services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
1. Overview
Shaftesbury Town Council (STC) is seeking expressions of interest from experienced and community-focused café operators to manage the ground floor café space and associated external areas at the upcoming Mampitts Community Hub in Shaftesbury.
This is an information-gathering exercise, not a formal tender process, to inform the development of the operating model and lease arrangements.
2. Background
The Mampitts Community Hub is a flagship project being developed by STC, situated within a newly landscaped park in a growing residential area of Shaftesbury, home to approximately 2,181 residents (2021 Census). Currently, the only local facility is a small convenience store.
The Hub aims to be a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable space, providing essential services, social interaction, and employment pathways. The café will serve as a central anchor within this community space, welcoming families, young people, professionals, and local organisations.
The project aligns with:
Shaftesbury Town Council's Strategic Plan
Dorset Council's 'Commissioning for a Better Life' strategy
STC aspires to fund a part-time youth support worker to ensure the hub is accessible and inclusive.
3. Description of the Procurement
Expressions of interest are to take on the ground floor of the premises and external footprint for outside seating on a lease arrangement for a period of 10 years with a mutual break clause after 3 and 6 years.
Whilst the land will still be owned [in the short-term] by Dorset Council and then Shaftesbury Town Council after 3 years, the Tenant will take on all responsibility for maintenance, insurance, utilities and operation of the unit and the outdoor space they use and be responsible for all costs in relation to this. The remaining space will be maintained by Shaftesbury Town Council with the option for the operator to discuss usage and maintenance of this space. (Further details will need to be considered and discussed with the operator regarding utilities, insurance, public liability cover, repair and maintenance responsibilities)
Shaftesbury Town Council will be responsible for the park and any equipment ensuring that statutory compliance is undertaken.
Building security will be the responsibility of the Tenant/s with agreement with Shaftesbury Town Council.
A formal lease arrangement will be entered into with STC. It must be noted that sole commercial use is not permitted on this basis. The purpose of the community hub is to provide social
interaction and a mixed-use community space welcoming to all.
The use of the site must not be for commercial benefit but can be operated to retain a surplus income which can be reinvested to secure the longer-term future of the facility and provide a community benefit, for the space which is measurable throughout the lease duration.
STC is open to variance on the proposed operating model as long as inclusive community access for clubs and groups is assured and the facility is open at weekends throughout the year and for a minimum of 5 days a week.
Detailed architectural plans are currently being drawn up and building to the stage of first fix is expected to be completed late 2026, with the operator being able to begin trading thereafter.
The operator once selected will have the opportunity to engage with the Architect and Building Contractor for practical considerations and discussions as to how the building might be used within the context of existing agreements and contracts.
The Council proposes a 10-year lease with a break clause after 3 years, with a second break clause after 6 years. This is subject to negotiation and reasonable proposals will be considered as appropriate.
4. Operating Model Options
STC offers two café fit-out approaches
A) The successful operator will fit out and decorate the ground floor to their own specification post build to first fix and a rent-free period and lower rent will reflect the capital outlay by the operator.
B) The Town Council will fit out the café and community space for the tenant to then furnish and equip. The tenant will be subject to a higher rent and paying of rent on commencement of the lease.
The prospective operator should provide in response to this Expression of Interest details on its sources funds (internal and / or from third parties) and amounts deployable toward the fit out of the facility, regardless of whether Option A or B is preferred by the respondent.
5. Key Lease Terms (Subject to Negotiation)
Lease will be outside the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 (Sections 24-28) - no automatic renewal
No structural alterations without written consent
Noise and disruption to be minimised due to nearby residences
Operational hours and time restrictions will be agreed in lease
No compensation for tenant improvements
Land Registry registration if lease exceeds 7 years
Tenant bears Stamp Duty and legal costs
Rent deposits or guarantors may be required based on financial standing
Security arrangements must consider the open-access nature of the site
Tenant indemnifies STC against liabilities or claims arising from use
List of fixtures and fittings to be provided when finalised
Disposal of open space to comply with Section 123 Local Government Act 1972
6. Quality Weighting
Submissions will be evaluated against the following criteria:
A) Community and Social Benefit (40%)
Community engagement and partnerships
Inclusive access for all demographics
Support for vulnerable groups and children
Volunteering opportunities with training
Social value measurement methods
B) Financial Operation & Business Plan (30%)
Funding sources (start-up and operational)
Revenue model (sales, events, room hire, workshops)
Use of local suppliers and ethical procurement
Employment opportunities for priority groups
Financial sustainability and risk management
C) Sustainability (10%)
Waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency
Carbon footprint reduction and environmental education
Ethical and local sourcing
D) Experience of Delivering Community/Charity Operations (10%)
Relevant track record and collaborations
Team skills and experience
E) Rent and/or Subsidy Considerations (10%)
Proposed rent and flexibility
Justification for subsidies if requested
Value for money and plans for subsidy reduction
7. End of Lease / Termination Conditions
Premises to be returned in agreed condition (fair wear and tear excepted)
All tenant equipment and furnishings to be removed unless agreed
Tenant liable for reinstatement costs if obligations unmet
Photographic surveys at lease start and end
Tenant to notify and settle final utility and supplier accounts
8. Timeline and Site Access
Construction expected to reach first fix by late 2026
Fit-out and operation to begin post-completion
Operator will have opportunity to collaborate with architects and contractors
9. Site Visits
Site visits will not currently be available. Please contact Shaftesbury Town Council to arrange a viewing and access architectural plans.
10. Submitting Your Expression of Interest
Please submit your EOI to Office@Shaftesbury-tc.gov.uk
Submissions should include:
Organisation summary, objectives, and suitability
Last year's accounts
Bank statements for the last year
Proposal for community/charity use and timescales
Minimum 3-year business plan
Financial overview supporting the business plan
Written statements addressing each of the 5 quality weighting criteria (max 1 A4 sheet per criterion)
References or letters of recommendation
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
30 August 2026