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Seasonal Observation Wheel Opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum

Forestry Commission

Planned

Key facts

Closing date
Not stated by the buyer
Buyer's estimated value
Not stated The buyer's own estimate, not income to you.
Contract period
1 Mar 2028 to 28 Feb 2033
Procedure
Not stated
Notice type
Preliminary market engagement notice (UK2)
Suitable for SMEs (per buyer)
Yes

Decision brief

Taken from the buyer's published notice (shown as written, shortened where long). Tenderpatch has not added to or interpreted it. Always read the official documents before bidding.

How bids will be scored
Not stated in the notice.
Conditions of participation (what you must show)
None published in the notice. They may be in the tender documents.
Contract length and extensions
1 Mar 2028 to 28 Feb 2033.
How to submit
Not stated in the notice.
Changes the buyer has announced
  • Engagement deadline updated
Tender documents
No document links in the notice. Use the official notice link.
New to public tenders? Plain-English guide to this page
Framework
An agreement that sets terms for work the buyer may order later, often from several suppliers. The value shown usually covers the whole agreement, not one job.
Open for bids / closing date
You must submit by the closing date and time, normally through the buyer's own online portal. Late bids are normally refused.
Clarification questions
A deadline for asking the buyer questions about the tender. It is earlier than the closing date.
Conditions of participation
What the buyer asks suppliers to show before they can be considered, such as experience, insurance or accreditations.
Bids are scored on
How the buyer will compare bids, usually a split between price and quality. A 60/40 split in favour of quality means the cheapest bid will not necessarily win.
Lots
A tender can be split into parts. You can often bid for only the lots that suit you.
Area (ITL)
The buyer names an official statistical area for where the work is, not a street address. Check the tender documents for the actual sites.
UK4 and other notice codes
Official codes for the type of notice. A "tender notice" means bids are being invited.

General explanations written by Tenderpatch, not part of this notice.

Description

Seasonal Observation Wheel Operator Opportunity Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest Forestry England is seeking early market engagement from suitably experienced observation wheel operators regarding a potential seasonal concession opportunity at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, one of the South East's premier outdoor visitor destinations. Our aim is to explore the feasibility of introducing a temporary observation wheel during the Easter visitor peak period, enhancing the visitor experience while supporting engagement with the wider site. We invite operators to provide feedback on operational requirements, commercial arrangements, site suitability and delivery considerations. This opportunity would initially be delivered as a seasonal trial within the 28-day permitted development allowance, with the potential to inform future opportunities should the trial prove successful. About Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is one of the South East's premier outdoor visitor destinations, welcoming over 500,000 visits annually. The site attracts a broad visitor audience including families, members, cyclists, runners, dog walkers and wellbeing users, and hosts a range of established commercial and recreational activities, including: - A well-established café - Go Ape high ropes adventure - Bike hire provision - Educational and learning activities - Active Forests programmes, including running, cycling, yoga and wellbeing activities - A year-round programme of events and seasonal experiences Any temporary attraction must be sympathetic to the unique landscape setting of the National Pinetum and contribute positively to the overall visitor experience. Opportunity Scope Forestry England is seeking feedback regarding the feasibility and commercial potential of hosting a temporary mid-sized observation wheel (approximately 30 metres in height) during the Easter holiday period. We are particularly interested in hearing from operators able to provide: - Supply, installation, operation and removal of an observation wheel - ADIPS-certified equipment and compliance with all relevant safety standards - Compliance with Forestry England Health & Safety Standards including Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) - Experienced operational staff throughout the operating period - Details of technical, logistical and infrastructure requirements - Power, servicing and site access requirements - Evidence of successful delivery at parks, gardens, heritage venues, visitor attractions or environmentally sensitive locations Proposed Operating Period Initial Trial Indicative dates: 18 March 2027 - 17 April 2027 Possible future contract start date will be March 2028 These dates are subject to final confirmation but are intended to cover the main Easter holiday period, including Easter Monday, traditionally one of Bedgebury's busiest visitor days. Commercial Approach Forestry England is open to exploring a range of delivery and commercial models and welcomes feedback from operators regarding: - Operational responsibilities - Ticketing arrangements - Customer management - Marketing and promotional approaches - Revenue share and commission-based models - Fixed fee, minimum guarantee or alternative commercial structures The expectation is that the selected operator would provide, install, operate and remove the attraction, however Forestry England welcomes proposals on the most effective operating model. Information Requested As part of this engagement exercise, Forestry England would welcome feedback on: - Suitability of the proposed operating period - Typical commercial arrangements for similar installations - Infrastructure and site requirements - Installation and removal timescales - Operator experience and relevant case studies - Any challenges, risks or considerations associated with delivering an observation wheel within a forest or arboretum setting