Works Contract - Children's Play Area

The National Archives intends to publish an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for a Works Contract to design, supply and install a new play area comprising a multi-play structure in its grounds at Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. The available space is identified on the attached drawing, and is approximately 484m2. The new playground will need to cater for a mixture of young and older children (0-12 year olds). This is the first installation of this type within the grounds of The National Archives, and therefore the new play area needs to have a 'wow factor', or be based on a theme, to make it unique.

Any design needs to take into consideration that the play area is located close to an inland water feature. The area to be developed currently has some planting and three trees with a ground cover of wood bark. Therefore, consideration will also need to be given to any associated landscaping to provide the best outcome for the design.

All play items are to be made from a durable wood which has been sufficiently treated before installation, as it is our aspiration to make the play area look as natural as possible in appearance. All play items will need to be installed to manufacturing guidelines, so that they meet British Standards.

If you are interested in tendering for this opportunity, please submit an Expression of Interest to procurement@nationalarchives.gov.uk by 5pm on January 10th, 2020 comprising evidence of your experience in designing and implementing play areas of a similar scale and type. The National Archives envisages selecting a maximum of five potential Suppliers to receive the ITT, those Suppliers being selected based on the quality and relevance of the Expressions of Interest received.