Scope
Reference
C-000226
Description
South Oxfordshire District Council has achieved a Phase 4 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Salix Finance grant award to decarbonise two leisure centres.
The Council requires a professional services team (PST) to support the delivery of these partially grant-funded works at both sites.
Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield: Services associated with removal of existing boiler plant assets and replacement with Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and the addition of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cells, low flow temperature distribution systems and heat emitter upgrades and associated works, including replacement/upgrade of the air handling plant plus roof and cavity wall and window insulation measures, while ensuring 100% compliance with terms and conditions of grant and Salix Finance processes.
Henley Leisure Centre: Services associated with removal of existing boiler plant assets and replacement with ASHPs and the addition of Solar PV, low flow temperature distribution systems, heat emitter upgrades and associated works, including replacement/upgrade of the air handling plant plus roof and fabric insulation measures at while ensuring 100% compliance with terms and conditions of grant and Salix Finance processes.
Total value (estimated)
- £500,000 excluding VAT
- £600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
Contract locations
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Justification for not using lots
1. Project interdependence: The two leisure centres are part of a single decarbonisation project, making it essential for the appointed professional services team to work collaboratively across both centres. This interdependence necessitates a cohesive approach to ensure efficient project management, resource allocation, and the integration of outcomes, which could be compromised if the work were divided into separate lots.
2. Specialised skills and expertise: The project requires specialised knowledge and experience in various areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, sustainability practices and managing an external funding source. A single team with a proven track record in similar projects can provide the integrated expertise needed, which may not be guaranteed if separate lots were tendered to different teams.
3. Streamlined communication and coordination: Engaging one professional services team facilitates streamlined communication and coordination between all parties involved. This is critical in complex projects, with multiple stakeholders, where close collaboration is necessary to align strategies and deliver on project objectives effectively.
4. Cost effectiveness: Appointing a single professional services team can result in cost savings by reducing administrative overheads associated with managing multiple contracts. It allows for consolidation of services, leading to better pricing and financial efficiency, which is particularly important given the fixed funding envelope the project must be delivered within.
5. Risk management: By appointing one team, project risks associated with delays, misaligned goals and quality control can be better managed. A fragmented approach may lead to gaps in accountability and which management, potentially impacting the project timeline, costs and outcomes.
6. Integrated design approach: A single professional services team enables an integrated design approach that considers the unique characteristics and requirements of both leisure centres simultaneously. This holistic approach allows for the development of design solutions that optimise energy efficiency and sustainability across the facilities, ensuring a cohesive implementation of decarbonisation strategies. A single team fosters efficiency in design workflows and leads to more effective translation of consistent design concepts into practical applications across both centres.
7. Project timeline: A single team can streamline the decision-making processes, leading to quicker project delivery. A shared vision and mutual understanding of objectives for both centres, means delays due to miscommunication or the need for consensus among multiple teams is minimised. The agility of the team is essential for meeting the project timelines and achieving the stated goals within the allocated budget and schedule.
8. Quality control: By appointing a single team, there is greater assurance of consistency in quality control across both centres, by utilising standardised methods, practices and matrices. This consistency can enhance the overall efficiency of the decarbonisation initiatives and contribute to a move cohesive end result.
9. Consistency in compliance with funding requirements: The external funding comes with specific compliance and reporting requirements. A single team can better ensure that both leisure centres meet the necessary criteria set by the funding body, minimising the risk of non-compliance.
10. Improved stakeholder engagement: Having one professional services team simplifies stakeholder interactions and communication. This structure ensures stakeholders receive a singular point of contract foe updates and decisions, which enhances engagement and transparency. Effective communication helps to build trust and collaboration among all parties involved, which is essential for the success of the decarbonisation project.
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
As per the Tender Pack
Technical ability conditions of participation
As per the Tender Pack
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
23 January 2026, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The council use Proacts for all tender opportunities. This link is direct to the opportunity.
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9a8a2dc5-0ed5-f011-813a-005056b64545
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 60% |
| Price | Price | 40% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
South Oxfordshire District Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRWZ-2743-VQTG
Abbey House, Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government