GB-Colchester: Creative Business Centre Operator *Duplicated*

Colchester Borough Council are seeking an operator to deliver a vibrant, cohesive space which offers both flexible and permanent workspace for a broad range of creative industries. We envisage the Creative Business Centre to be a hub for both creative businesses and individuals, providing not only workspace but support, events, learning and social opportunities to foster greater collaboration and sector development.

The selected operator will have the opportunity to develop an incubator specifically targeted to nurture and support startups in the Creative sector alongside more established anchor tenants. With a total refurbishment scheme cost of circa £3m, Colchester Borough Council intends to provide the completed building to an operator under a management agreement to be run in accordance with a set of agreed framework objectives.

Whilst funding exists for Phase 1 and this programme of redevelopment has already commenced, it is envisaged that an operator is secured to manage the whole building and submissions are required which demonstrate the operators proposals for development of the final phase of delivery. It is proposed that the completed phase 1 of the centre will continue to be run as a creative incubator whilst Phase 2 is progressed.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement, and the contract will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender. Expressions of Interest must be received by 17:00hrs on Monday 23rd November 2015. Completed tenders must be submitted by 12:00 (noon) on Friday 27th November 2015.