Concession Partner for BFI IMAX

Tender description

The BFI IMAX is an iconic presence in London's architectural and cultural landscape. For audiences it is a much-loved destination, a place where remarkable memories are made. Internationally recognised as a world leader for technological excellence in moving image, it is often a top-performing screen for new releases globally. For the last 10 years the cinema has been outsourced but has now returned in-house to the BFI and the BFI is now embarking on a reimagining of the BFI IMAX experience, to celebrate its unique cultural heritage & global significance and re-define it as a cultural destination that offers audiences a richer, more diverse programme and experience. As part of our ambition for BFI IMAX, we wish to work with potential partners to develop completely new customer facing areas that feel welcoming to visitors, audiences and our membership, encouraging them to spend pre-screen time in the cinema and drive drop-in sales. We want to deliver first class customer service and a product offer that they would expect to see at an independent cinema. Popcorn and sweets are an integral part of the event cinema experience and whilst we obviously want to continue providing this, there is an accompanying offer of a higher quality that we believe is right for the BFI IMAX audience and is not currently being delivered. We also believe we can hardwire our diverse cultural programme into the spaces with our collections, exhibitions and content and in doing so, deliver a look and feel that reinforces the BFI brand and creates a sense of destination for all visitors. It is our firm belief that by creating a space which people want to spend time in, we will drive income and deliver growth for both ourselves and our partner(s) year on year. The ground floor concession space is currently a basic F&B offer within a rigid demise. However, the BFI would like to explore what may be possible across the entire building space, whilst acknowledging that it still needs to be able to work with a sold out screening where up to c500 ticket holders need to congregate and enter the auditorium on level 1. The intent for any operation proposed is that it will not only serve audiences but also become a destination in its own right for the wider public and where mutually financial benefit can be achieved for all operating parties and the BFI. As a minimum, any proposal must include a F&B offer.