Scope
Reference
14239
Description
Stockport Council invites tenders from organisations interested in undertaking the operation and management of Stockport Market or the period 1st January 2026 - 31st December 2030 with an option to extend for a further two years, subject to performance.
A proven track record and experience of market management and operation is essential.
Stockport Market Place lies at the historic heart of the town and is of significant architectural and topographic interest. It is held in great affection by local residents, but it also recognised as one of the jewels of Greater Manchester. With Stockport Museum, Staircase House and The Produce Hall, the Market Place has a strong visitor offer.
Stockport Market, which comprises an outdoor market space and the iconic 'glass umbrella' Covered Market Hall, has traded in the same location since 1260.
There have been significant improvements to the public realm and built environment around the Market Place over the last 15 years, including the full restoration of the Covered Market Hall, enabled by Heritage Lottery Funding.
Like many other markets, the size and retail diversity of Stockport Market has been significantly reduced over the last 20 years as retail patterns have changed and competition has increased. And whilst its located a few minutes walk from the main shopping area the strong food and drink offer and independent retailers within the vicinity of the Market Hall has helped to create a stronger, diverse and attractive offer which encourages people to travel to the Market Place and to spend quality time there and in the town centre generally.
Stockport Council is seeking an operator for the Covered Market Hall and outdoor market area who can continue to create a thriving Market Place. Particular areas where the operator would be expected to make a real difference are:
• Transforming the profile and image of Stockport Market as a shopping and leisure destination,
• Improving the diversity of products available on Stockport Market to cater for a wider audience,
• Developing and enhancing the Saturday outdoor market offer,
• Improving the programme of specialist and event markets taking place in the outdoor market area,
• Maximising occupancy of the Covered Market Hall by market traders,
• Maximising the use of the Covered Market Hall and usage of the outdoor market area for events, activities and activation
• Improving footfall, utilisation and dwell time in the Covered Market Hall
A pre-market engagement notice has not been completed as the contracting authority determined market engagement is not required due to the route to market being an Open Tender exercise.
A planned procurement notice has not been completed as the contracting authority does not wish to reduce the timescales of this tender.
Following the evaluation process, against the criteria published in the invitation to tender documentation (ITT) and in line with Procurement Act 2023 regulations, Market Place (Europe) Limited's offer has been determined to be the most advantageous tender to the Council, and they have therefore been identified as the Council's current Preferred Bidder.
A mandatory standstill period is now in force pursuant to Section 51 of the Procurement Act 2023, this period will end at midnight on 25 November 2025.
The Council will not enter into the Contract before 9am on 26 November 2025.
All bidders have received an assessment summary which explains the scoring they have been given and also includes the relative advantages of the preferred bidder.
This contract for the operation and management of Stockport Market is an income generating contract for the Council (values subject to expenses).
Estimated Contract Values
Firm Period (5 Years): ~£1.3m
Extension (if taken, further 2 Years): ~£500k
Total Contract Value: ~£1.8m
Contract 1. Operation and Management of Stockport Market
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
13 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
13 November 2025
Standstill period
- End: 24 November 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
1 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030
- Possible extension to 31 December 2032
- 7 years
Description of possible extension:
2 year extension option to 2032 subject to performance (1x2year)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 70332200 - Commercial property management services
- 79993100 - Facilities management services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Information about tenders
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 2 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
MARKET PLACE (EUROPE) LIMITED
- Companies House: 05260626
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVYZ-1176-XRPH
Mj Goldman, Hollinwood Business Centre
Oldham
OL8 3QL
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@mpel.co.uk
Website: http://www.marketplace.co.uk
Region: UKD37 - Greater Manchester North East
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Operation and Management of Stockport Market
Contracting authority
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZGW-7196-LCHL
Stopford House, Piccadilly
Stockport
SK1 3XE
United Kingdom
Region: UKD35 - Greater Manchester South East
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government