Market Site, South Quay, Whitstable Harbour - ITT

Tender description

Canterbury City Council is seeking rental offers for a lease to operate a market site at the South Quay, in Whitstable Harbour, Kent. Recently the South Quay has developed as a visitor attraction with many tourists throughout the year. Currently the eastern end of the South Quay has been closed to the public to allow for the replacement of the quay walls. This work is programmed to be completed by March 2016, so the entire quay can reopen to the public and giving the harbour the opportunity to have its previously popular market reinstated. The Harbour Board's objective is to develop Whitstable Harbour into a thriving and successful niche port to the benefit of stakeholders and the community of Whitstable as a whole. The strategic aims of the Board are: Financial self sufficiency Maintenance and development of the harbour infrastructure Support for the local economy Contribute to the character and attraction of the town Development of tourism Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements Achievement of environmental interests The Board has on numerous occasions confirmed its support for a harbour market on the South Quay and it is one of its objectives to reinstate the market so that the previous traders will have the opportunity to recommence trading in the new season. The market will have the benefit of a direct access from Harbour Street via a new gated entrance in the sea wall. The market will also have a new surface so it is fully accessible for all. The Council is seeking to attract an operator who will promote the Harbour Board's objective to see the market opened for Easter 2016, and willing and able to commit and invest over term of the lease. Please ensure that any clarification questions regarding this opportunity are made via the Discussions area of the Kent Business Portal and they will be responded to accordingly - the deadline for clarification questions is 17:00 hours on Wednesday 16th December 2016. The deadline for offers and rental bids is 12:00 noon on Tuesday 5th January 2016 - all completed documentation must be uploaded to the Kent Business Portal by this deadline.