Glasshouses (supply/erect)

Tender description

Forest Research (FR) is currently undertaking work to consolidate a number of its teams at its Northern Research Station (NRS) campus. As part of this work we are looking to replace some of our existing glasshouses with new facilities based within the nursery area (see images in attached document). In a bid to understand what is available in the market and what might be feasible, we are, through this early engagement notice, seeking outline proposals for replacement glasshouse facilities (we are not asking for bids/tenders at this stage). The existing glasshouse facilities at NRS comprise 5 separate units of different dimensions which, in total, provide 181m2 of useable bench space. Each of these units has separate environmental controls, with some units also having artificial lighting, humidifying and bench heating capabilities. It is expected that all these units will be demolished and removed as part of the NRS site development work. FR requires replacement glasshouse facilities which will be used for a range of research and experiments, rather than horticultural production. We are seeking solutions that provide a minimum of 180m2 of useable bench space spread across one or more glasshouses and have a minimum of five separate working compartments of roughly equal size. Further requirements are specified in the attached document. Interested parties are invited to provide written responses (by email to geoffrey.mccatty@forestryengland.uk) at any time up to COB on Friday 16th April 2021. We are seeking responses that provide; (high-level) technical solutions/options, typical lead/build times, rough costings (for business case/budget purposes) and any examples/reference projects.