Planning

The Gobbins Visitor Centre Interpretation Project

  • Mid and east Antrim Borough Council

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-082445

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05f4c3

Published 12 December 2025, 12:38pm



Scope

Reference

T730/AD

Description

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is currently preparing to initiate a procurement process to establish a contract with an experienced and qualified supplier to provide a full design and works service for an 'Interpretation Project at The Gobbins Visitor Centre', Middle Road, Islandmagee BT40 3SL, to be delivered by 31 October 2026.

The Gobbins is owned and operated by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and stands as a unique cliffside attraction along Northern Ireland's famous Causeway Coastal Route. Visitors embark on a dramatic journey along suspended walkways, tunnels, and bridges carved directly into the basalt cliffs, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea, encounters with local wildlife, and a close-up look at the area's remarkable geology. The current visitor experience combines expertly guided tours available throughout the year, informative outdoor signage, and a modern Visitor Centre with café and associated community centre.

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 March 2026 to 30 August 2026
  • 5 months, 30 days

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 71315200 - Building consultancy services
  • 71315210 - Building services consultancy services
  • 79540000 - Interpretation services
  • 79930000 - Specialty design services
  • 79961200 - Aerial photography services
  • 79961300 - Specialised photography services
  • 92310000 - Artistic and literary creation and interpretation services

Contract locations

  • UKN - Northern Ireland

Engagement

Engagement deadline

22 December 2025

Engagement process description

Interested parties are requested to complete this questionnaire and return it by 12noon on Monday 22nd December 2025.

Any requests for clarification relating to this exercise must be communicated using the secure messaging function on the esourcingNI portal.

Responses to requests for clarification will be communicated by the Construction and Procurement Delivery to all interested suppliers through the esourcingNI messaging system.

Your response must be uploaded within the esourcingNI portal via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) clarifications messaging function. Instructions on how to submit your response can be found within the Interactive Walkthrough available through the homepage of the portal.


Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

22 January 2026


Contracting authority

Mid and east Antrim Borough Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMVX-1316-MMYP

The Braid

Ballymena

BT43 5EJ

United Kingdom

Region: UKN0F - Mid and East Antrim

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government

Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland