Concession - For the provision of Supplementary Vans at the Ice Rink, Calverley Grounds

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is inviting tenders for the concession of food vans at its annual ice rink in Calverley Grounds. The Council is looking to appoint a sole provider suitable qualified and equipped with vans to offer items such as burgers and bratwurst, crepes and doughnuts and sweets. The contract term will be an initial 1 year, with a possible 1-year extension subject to planning permission and access.

The Ice Rink has been running in Calverley Grounds for 11 years. In previous years the event has attracted nearly 40,000 skaters, with increased footfall to the area from visitors watching the skaters or who just come along for a walk within the grounds. Anecdotally we have in excess of 80,000 visitors in the period.

In the 2016/17 season we attracted 39,214 skaters and last year, 2017/18, the figure was 39,827.

The annual ice rink has additional attractions such as a resident Father Christmas and evening entertainment. For the 2021/22 season it is our intention to expand on this in order to increase visitor numbers and footfall to the grounds.

Key Dates and Procurement Timeline:

Tender Release: Friday 27th August 2021 Expression of interest Deadline: Friday 17th September 2021

Deadline for Submissions: Monday 27th September 2021

Evaluation of Submissions: W/C Monday 27th September 2021

Appointment of contractor: W/C Monday 4th October 2021