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Tender description

Background The Dunoon Project (DP) is truly unique, a visionary project which aims to put Dunoon back on the map. It will deliver a renaissance, a revival, and a reset for the town, and far beyond. The Project will reinvigorate Dunoon’s long history as a superb destination for visitors and locals alike. It will establish Dunoon as a place where people of all ages and abilities can come for day trips or longer stays to enjoy world class outdoor activities such as a gondola, a zip line and mountain biking for pros and beginners alike. As an exceptional destination located in a stunning but highly accessible rural setting, the Project will also promote more gentle outdoor activities, the historic town and the wonderful, diverse landscapes of Cowal and Argyll. This community-led regeneration is designed to make a hugely positive, lasting impact. Through a revolutionary, innovative funding model, one which sees both public and private sectors making significant financial investments, the Dunoon Project will act as a catalyst for significant change in Cowal. What’s more, the Project will be developed to the very highest environmental standards, ensuring that what is good for Dunoon is also good for the planet. Crucially, the project aims to create hope, to breathe life back into the town and surrounds, and to boost both wellbeing and the local economy. Everyone from children and young people to small businesses will benefit as the Project evolves and reinvests in the town, for a brighter, better future. Objectives Significant progress has been made in delivering this vision with a Masterplan developed, key areas of land acquired and a robust Governance structure developing that includes the initiative driver, the Dunoon Project Limited (DPL, a charity), an Advisor Group, Action Argyll (focused on commercial activities) and takes account of the views of a Junior Project Group (made up of youth residents). The Dunoon Project is now moving from conceptual development to detailed development and phased delivery. Pending receipt of funding from the Argyll and Bute Community Led Local Development Fund, DPL is looking to work with specialists to deliver specific activities The work is split into lots and applicants are invited to apply for as many lots as applicable. This phase of the assignment will run from 14th November 2022 until 17th March 2023. All tender submissions must be INCLUSIVE of VAT. Lot 1: Project Management This is a complex assignment with a need for structured Project Management and the ability to communicate with multiple stakeholders including the Board of the Dunoon Project, landowners, the wider community and technical specialists. Specific tasks that need to be delivered in this phase of work include: Managing and directing activities Liaising and coordinating the work of suppliers & service providers Refining and reinforcing governance arrangements Convening cross-project meetings Lot 2: Governance and land acquisition strategy The Board and the Project Team require expert advice on the routes and appropriate methods to secure access to land to facilitate development. This could be through multiple channels including acquisition, lease and asset transfer. Specific tasks that need to be delivered in this phase of work include: Providing strategic advice relating to the acquisition of rights over FLS land by DPL Supporting negotiations on securing leases with stakeholders Working with the Project Manager to establish a wholly compliant governance structure Lot 3: Communications and engagement This project has a high level of local and national interest. It is vital that the project is able to continue to communicate effectively with the community, partners and stakeholders. Specific tasks that need to be delivered in this phase of work include: Raising the profile of DP and DPL locally, across Argyll, Scotland and the wider UK by creating distinct brands and comms action plans for each Developing interest in and support for the Dunoon Project Promoting DP and DPL to the local community and businesses, potential investors and partners Communicating consistently DP/DPL’s key messages Identifying the audiences, channels and tools which will be used in communications and maintaining these tools Managing the development of a new website and brand Lot 4: Fundraising When established the project will be fully self-funding, but in the development stages there is a need to secure funds from multiple sources to allow work to advance. Specific tasks that need to be delivered in this phase of work include: Establishing of the gross funding needs of the project in the coming 12 to 18 months Working with the Project Manager to establish a wholly compliant governance structure Presenting a funding map showing how financial and resources of DPL can be delivered Preparing funding applications as necessary. Lot 5: Administration There is an ongoing need for secretariat support to co-ordinate and support activities undertaken by the Project Team. Specific tasks that need to be delivered in this phase of work include: Organising scheduled meetings of the Advisory Board, Project Board and Project Team Publishing succinct meeting and action notes Managing the supporter and stakeholder data base Providing ad hoc organisational and administrative support as necessary.