Business Concession Opportunity at Lumps Fort Coastal Battery, Southsea

Tender description

Portsmouth City Council ('the Authority') is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced providers to tender for this project. The scope of which will comprise of but may not be limited to providing and running high quality business activities at the Lumps Fort Coastal Battery, Southsea. Lumps Fort dates back to the 18th century and is currently home to the Model Village and Southsea Rose Gardens. Adjacent is Canoe Lake which is a busy and vibrant destination for families and children. The area, along with the numerous sporting facilities available nearby, sees significant footfall along all pedestrian routes. The Authority is seeking a high quality offer that maximises the premises' unique setting and provides an income stream to the Authority. On offer is a single storey, locally listed building on the Lumps Fort site with a floor space of approximately 213 square metres (2,300 square feet). Proposals are sought on a full repair and maintenance lease basis with an associated operating service concession contract that will require the Operator to work collaboratively on a mutually incentivised open book partnership basis. The Operator will be responsible for funding all capital costs including for fit out, service connections, statutory approvals etc. The Authority will, subject to resource, provide a level of assistance and guidance and will facilitate relationships between the Operator and the relevant statutory approval bodies, potential funders etc. Given the capital funding requirements and the likely approvals that will be required, Operators must provide a robust mobilisation plan and funding strategy that can be realised within a period of 6 months. From appointment of the preferred bidder, the successful Operator will be provided with a 6 month exclusivity period in order to fully secure funding and obtain all required approvals to the satisfaction of the Authority and the relevant approving bodies. No occupation of the building will be permitted during this period although access will be provided for as required. All necessary funding and approvals must be secured as quickly as possible, however the Authority has the option to extend the exclusivity period to a maximum period of 12 months, in increments of no less than 1 month. Any extensions granted will be subject to the absolute and non-negotiable discretion of the Authority. Once all funding and approvals are in place to the satisfaction of the Authority, the Authority will enter into a lease agreement and service concession contract with the successful Operator. If the successful Operator is unable to secure the necessary funding and approvals, the Authority will not execute the lease and service concession contract and the Exclusivity Agreement will be terminated. The lease will be for a period of 20 years with break points at Year 10 and Year 15. The lease will allow fo...