Martello Tower E - Preliminary Market Engagement

This notice is issued to inform the market of an upcoming works opportunity and to seek early market feedback to help shape the procurement strategy, scope, and delivery approach.

This Pre‑Market Engagement (PME) exercise does not constitute a commitment by the Authority to commence a procurement or to award any contract. Participation is voluntary and will not provide any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement process.

Note: A previous Pre‑Market Engagement exercise was undertaken; however, limited market interest indicated that the project approach required reconsideration. As a result, the Authority has reviewed the delivery strategy and now intends to combine all elements of the works (temporary enclosure, enabling works, repair and refurbishment) into a single procurement package Tendring District Council has secured funding as part of a wider £19.8m regeneration programme to deliver a number of schemes across the district.

One of the key projects is the repair, conservation and refurbishment of Martello Tower E, a Napoleonic-era coastal defence structure located in Clacton‑on‑Sea.

Approximately £2.25m has been allocated to repurpose the tower into a future events and cultural venue, while conserving its historic fabric and significance for future generations.

Martello Tower E is a Scheduled Monument and Grade II listed structure, and the Authority has been working closely with Historic England, who are supportive of the proposed approach.

The proposed procurement package will initially focus on addressing the building's immediate condition issues, followed by repair, conservation and refurbishment works. The scope is indicative and subject to further development but is expected to include:

• UKPN power connection and associated works
• Erection of a temporary weather enclosure to allow drying out
• Careful lifting, numbering and storage of historic building fabric in line with conservation best practice
• Enabling works as required
• Conservation‑led repair works

-Refurbishment works to prepare the building for an incoming tenant, including:

Floor refurbishments

Installation of external windows and doors

Platform lift and staircase

Mechanical and electrical services

Internal and below‑ground drainage and attenuation

• Construction of a small new pavilion building to support future use

The Authority is seeking early feedback from suitably experienced contractors and specialists, particularly those with expertise in:

• Heritage and conservation‑led construction
• Work to Scheduled Monuments and listed buildings
• Temporary works and weather protection structures
• Complex refurbishment in exposed coastal environments

Feedback may help inform:

• Packaging and phasing of works
• Risk allocation
• Procurement procedure and timescales
• Market capacity and capability