Scope
Reference
RBBC - 038753
Description
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council ("the Council" / "RBBC") is looking to appoint artist(s) to deliver a public art programme in Westvale Park, Horley.
We plan to launch an invitation to tender soon and are keen to hear from individual artists, studios and collectives interested in developing a cohesive artistic vision and lead a collaborative team. Whether you're an established practitioner or emerging talent, we welcome diverse approaches and creative perspectives.
Artists will be welcome to apply individually or explore the opportunity to form new partnerships and collaborate on joint proposals that reflect shared creative visions and interdisciplinary approaches.
The tender will invite artists to submit proposals from a broad range of creative disciplines and uses of mediums who specialise in public art who will bring the community together and create distinctive public artworks that reflect Westvale Park's local identity and unique sense of place.
The purpose of pre-market engagement is to gather insights from artists and creatives that help shape an inspiring, inclusive and achievable public art brief before the formal commissioning process begins.
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 April 2026 to 1 April 2027
- Possible extension to 1 October 2027
- 1 year, 6 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 92310000 - Artistic and literary creation and interpretation services
- 92320000 - Arts-facility operation services
Contract locations
- UKJ26 - East Surrey
Engagement
Engagement deadline
21 November 2025
Engagement process description
The Council is seeking an artist or collective of artists to design, manufacture and install a series of permanent artworks within Westvale Park's Riverside Green Chain.
The permanent artworks may include a variety of forms, which may include, but not be limited to:
• Site-specific sculptures
• Land art, which might include using natural materials like stone, earth or wood that integrate into the environment.
• Eco art installations, art pieces that highlight technological themes or support biodiversity, such as pollinator-friendly sculptures or habitat structures
• Interactive or participatory works such as sound installations or kinetic sculptures
• Ground mural or text-based installations
• Functional art including artists designed seating, playable art and wayfinding or trail markers.
The permanent artworks will be safe, durable, accessible, and appropriate to its setting.
The artworks will be designed and shaped by a process of community engagement and participation.
The artworks will need to give consideration to sustainability that carefully considers the environmental impact of both the fabrication and installation processes.
This includes considering the carbon footprint of materials, foundations, and fixings, prioritising the local sourcing of materials, equipment, and resources wherever feasible, and exploring the use of natural, recycled, recyclable, or reusable materials where appropriate. Artists will be expected to align to RBBC's commitment to the achievement of RBBC's Environmental Sustainability Strategy and net zero 2030 target.
A preliminary cost plan estimates a total budget available for artwork commissions in the region of £160k - £200k plus VAT.
The allocated budget is intended to support the creation of a minimum of six permanent distinct public artworks across the Westvale Park Open Spaces. It is inclusive of all stages of the design and delivery process, from early research and concept development through to detailed design, fabrication, installation, and meaningful community engagement throughout the entirety of the project. The project budget is fully available and funded through Section 106 contributions.
It is anticipated that the contract term will be in the region of 12 - 18 months.
We are very keen to hear the views of interested parties on a number on questions which are referenced in the questionnaire set out in the pre-market engagement pack which is available via the Council's In-Tend system. The views of interested parties on these questions will help us to finalise our approach to the subsequent procurement process.
If you have any questions or require any additional information relating to this pre-market engagement document, please email regeneration@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
We would request suppliers to download, complete and submit the pre-market engagement document via our e-tendering platform: http://www.sesharedservices.org.uk/esourcing
Project name: RBBC - AB - Westvale Park Public Artwork (Pre-Market Engagement)
Project reference: RBBC - 038753
We would be grateful if you could complete the pre-market engagement questionnaire and return it to us via the Council's In-Tend Portal, no later than 5pm on Friday 21 November 2025.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYPR-2456-VBGR
Town Hall, Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government