Scope
Description
At Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, we are embarking on a bold redevelopment programme-Xplore! 2.0-to transform our facility into a dynamic hub for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and maths (STEAM) education. Through a phased approach, supported by the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Moondance Foundation, we will deliver new facilities that broaden access, raise aspirations, and strengthen the skills pipeline in Wales.
Phase 1 will establish the only fixed-dome planetarium in north-east Wales, alongside essential accessibility upgrades. Phase 2 will create LaunchPADLansio, a dedicated early years STEAM space, together with a redesigned café and kitchen to support families. Collectively, these developments will provide a step-change in our capacity to deliver impactful, inclusive, and future-focused STEAM learning experiences for our community and beyond.
Phase 1: Planetarium and Accessibility Upgrades. Tender-focus: Planetarium room build, office relocation, stairwell refurbishment and lift installation
Phase 1, funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Transition Fund, will deliver a fixed-dome planetarium equipped with advanced AV technology and licensed software to provide high-quality STEAM experiences for groups of up to 30 visitors per session. Supply and installation of the planetarium are part of a separate tender package.
To ensure full accessibility, Phase 1 also includes the installation of a platform lift, stairwell refurbishment, and relocation of staff offices to the first floor. The planetarium is expected to be fully operational by March 2026, with coordinated delivery between contractors and planetarium suppliers.
Phase 2 - Early Years STEAM and Café Redevelopment. Tender-focus: LaunchPADLansio room build, kitchen installation and café redesign and installation
Phase 2, funded by the Moondance Foundation, will establish LaunchPADLansio, a 212m² immersive STEAM exhibition space designed specifically for under 5s. The space will spark curiosity, foster imagination, and support early cognitive, communication, and social development. It is underpinned by the Wales Early Years Framework and Curriculum for Wales (Progression Step 1), with a focus on learning through play.
This phase also includes a kitchen upgrade and café redesign, creating a welcoming hub for families. Interactive elements such as planet domes and space-themed exhibits in the café will extend the learning experience in informal settings, connecting families to STEAM themes beyond the gallery.
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000 excluding VAT
- £960,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026
- 1 year, 1 day
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45000000 - Construction work
- 50000000 - Repair and maintenance services
- 51000000 - Installation services (except software)
- 39141000 - Kitchen furniture and equipment
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Conditions of participation
The Authority has set out the conditions of participation details in Appendix 1a WPSQ & Award Criteria Evaluation Methodology - WPSQ Tab and "Question Outcome" Column which refers to Pass / Fail participation criteria.
In order to facilitate the Authority's assessment of a Participant's economic and financial standing, the Authority will assess the Participant's Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Risk of Failure score which needs to be 50 or more in order to have an initial Pass. Failure to obtain a 50 or more D&B Risk of Failure score will result in the Authority's Accountants undertaking further analysis using solvency ratios and profitability ratios etc as defined in the WPSQ Supplier Guidance. Participants are asked to provide information on their two most recent accounts, and upon request, provide copies of the most recent audited accounts or up to date financial statements where full audited accounts cannot be provided. The minimum criteria are set out in the WPSQ and Appendix 1a. The Authority may require further information from a Participant in order to consider if the Participant presents an unacceptable level of financial risk.
Participants must achieve at least the minimum pass score for all questions. Any Participant that does not achieve the minimum pass score for any WPSQ question will be excluded at Stage 1 Phase 3 and its submission will not be further considered for the award of the Contract.
Further instructions on what Participants should consider in relation to their response on financial standing is set out in the WPSQ and Appendix 1.
The WPSQ acts as a self-declaration for Participants. The Preferred Bidder will be required to provide all requested certificates and documentation before being awarded the Contract. However, the Authority can ask any Participant to submit their evidence at any point in the procurement process, if this is necessary, to ensure that the process is carried out properly and in a timeous manner to meet with the procurement's programme requirements.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
21 October 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 November 2025, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/
Submission via the Sell 2 Wales portal: https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales. Please ensure you are familiar with how to submit your tender before the deadline (instructions available in Appendix 1b). Please ensure you submit the tender, do not leave it in a 'draft' or 'saved' state.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Please provide pricing cost details for the optional requirements as detailed within the Optional Items line in technical specification. The University is not obliged to purchase these items but are... |
Price | 65.00% |
| Quality | Technical/Quality is divided into sub-quality weightings as per the ITT tender pack |
Quality | 30.00% |
| Social Value | Quality | 5.00% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348349
Invitation to Tender.
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348367
ITT Response Document Part (A) (WPSQ) Template
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348368
ITT Response Document (B)
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348369
Tender Invitation Letter
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348370
Form of Tender
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348371
Appendix 1a
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348372
Appendix 1b
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348373
Appendix 1c
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348374
Appendix 1d
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348375
Appendix 1e
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=348376
ITT Response Document (C)
Technical specifications to be met
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/evmapr1r5ubalmz8k4k6h/ABPw5gyT3GvAYwQmWGM0lek?rlkey=p5q6ohfkql7riq7mz1yg3cyvk&dl=0
Specifications available via this Dropbox link, also accessible in Schedule 5 of the ITT
Contracting authority
Wrexham University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVVP-6867-JVYH
Plas Coch
Wrexham
LL11 2AW
United Kingdom
Region: UKL23 - Flintshire and Wrexham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales