Expression of Interest - Ashton Market

he Council is looking to appoint an operator to create a successful vibrant Ashton Square. The selected operator / place manager will:

• Work with the Council and the Council's design team to finalise plans for the layout of Ashton Square, including the balance, mix and size options for the permanent and temporary stalls
• Work with the Council to build interest and excitement in the opening of the new Market Square during the construction period
• Hold an opening launch event
• Hold markets on a weekly basis at least three, or ideally four days per week, with occasional evening and weekend events.
• Run campaigns and host events (e.g. Fair Trade, Food and live events) within the new Market Square to improve the offer during the day and to consider options around expansion of future evening offer
• Hold innovative monthly themed events, centred on Local Producers and Crafts, and opportunities for community groups or events etc
• Manage the Market Square area and Occupiers on a day-to-day basis
• Repair and maintain all the elements of operators' Market Equipment, reporting any minor works associated with the Council's responsibility
• Clean Ashton Square area and the public toilets to the Council's Street Cleansing standards before, during and after each market
• Accepting that Market Trader Fees will depend upon agreed operating model, ensure Market Trader Fees Pricing Schedule is available and up-to-date and consult with and seek the Council's approval to any changes to Fees
• Collect Occupier Fees
• Deal with all Occupier & Customer Queries
• Allocating Occupiers their respective location and stall
• Pay all utility bills and the recharge of costs to occupiers
• Remove and Recycle Waste as appropriate (waste and recycling is the responsibility of the successful bidder / prospective operator; not the Council); and
• Ensure appropriate Security Measures are in place and Health & Safety Standards are met.

Once you have registered your interest via The Chest procurement portal please upload your response to the portal prior to the given deadline.

The purpose of this exercise is to gauge the level of interest in this opportunity and obtain information from the market, so all responses are very much appreciated.

For the avoidance of doubt, this notice is for the purpose of conducting a pre-market engagement and does not formally begin a procurement process or constitute any commitment by Wigan Council to undertake any procurement exercise.

Furthermore, potential bidders will not be prejudiced by not responding to this pre-market engagement notification. Potential bidders must also note that a response to this notice does not guarantee an invitation to participate in this, or any future procurement that Wigan Council may conduct.