Invitation to Submit Proposals Hope Gap Steps

Seaford Town Council are seeking expressions of interest and detailed proposals from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to design and cost options to repair or replace the Hope Gap steps, with the aim of returning them to safe public use.

Due to the anticipated high costs of the project, proposals must focus on achieving best value over the full lifespan of the steps, taking into account durability, maintenance requirements and long-term resilience.

Scope of Proposal

Proposals should include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Design and costed options for repair and/or replacement of the steps

• Consideration of ecological and geological impacts

• Identification of required permissions, consents and statutory approvals

• A proposed methodology for undertaking the site works

• A programme for delivery, including identification of the optimum times of year for construction

• Where possible, suggested sources of external funding that may be available to support the works

Site Constraints

Tenderers should note that:

• This stretch of coastline is classified as "No Active Intervention" within the Shoreline Management Plan

• At high tide, waves frequently break at the base of the cliff

• Any proposed solution must be capable of withstanding regular exposure to sea water

• It is considered highly likely that some or all options may require additional coastal protection, such as a sea wall or similar measures. Proposals should therefore include the design and cost of such protection, where applicable

Site Visits

Seaford Town Council will be available to accompany site visits on the following dates:

• Tuesday 3 February

• Wednesday 4 February

• Wednesday 11 February

Submission Details

• Deadline for submission: 5:00pm on Monday 16 February 2026

• Proposals should be submitted to: projectsandfacilities@seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk or posted to 37 Church Street, Seaford, BN25 1HG

• Please note that all proposals and quotations received will be presented to Full Council for discussion and evaluation in due course, prior to any further decisions or actions being taken

Seaford Town Council (STC) are seeking proposals and option appraisals only. STC is under no obligation to appoint any supplier, to select a preferred proposal, or to proceed to construction works. Any decision to progress to delivery, and any procurement of construction works, would be subject to separate approval and a separate procurement process in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.