A la Ronde, Primary Contractor (Conservation-Restoration)

The National Trust is seeking to appoint a Primary Contractor to fulfil the requirements of the opportunity, to develop a conservation approach that stabilise the condition of the shell Gallery and Grotto Staircase, and associated decorative elements at A la Ronde.

A la Ronde is an 18th century 16-sided building located near Lympstone, Exmouth, in Devon. It is a Grade I listed building. The house was built for Mary and Jane Parminter and contains numerous examples of their artistic practices inspired by their European Grand Tour travels.

Full details of the opportunity can be found in the Request for Proposal Document. This Request for Proposal Single Stage (RFP1) sets out the Trust's situation and objectives in respect of Conservation of the Shell Gallery and Grotto Staircase, and seeks information as to capacity, capability, relevant experience, proposed solution and cost.

This work forms an integral part of the A La Ronde Project, which also includes visitor and professional engagement programmes. The 'A la Ronde Project' will be creative, innovative, and exciting for visitors, for volunteers and for staff. It will conserve and secure the unique decorative environment ensuring that the engaging but fragile site is provided with the best possible conservation and care, ensuring that A la Ronde is ready for the future. Through the 'A la Ronde Project' we will play a greater part in the life of our local community, working with our partners, neighbours and volunteers as participants and contributors.

The 'A la Ronde Project' is an exciting opportunity to conserve the decorative elements of this property. Alongside the conservation of these unique interiors, we will launch 'On-line A la Ronde' to share the conservation project, fragile gallery, the wider property, and public programme. This on-line project will remain as an evolving part of our long-term digital offer and contributing to this digital offer is a key element of the conservation project.

Participant(s) will bear their own costs, and seek appropriate advice, for the preparation of their response.

Timescale: Work will be carried out between March 2022 - September 2023.

This project is in part NLHF funded.

Budget: We invite competitive tenders for this role.

The National Trust is a registered charity, completely independent of the Government and therefore relies totally on the generosity of our members, visitors and other ad hoc supporters in order to continue this important work.