RUC George Cross Foundation Gardening Services

Tender description

Background The Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation was created by virtue of Section 70 of the Police (NI) Act 2000 for the purpose of "marking the sacrifices and honouring the achievements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary". It commenced work in December 2001. The George Cross Foundation has responsibility for the upkeep of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Memorial Garden and will also have responsibility for a new purpose built police museum, which will be erected beside the Garden. The Garden, which is situated at Brooklyn, 65 Knock Road, Belfast, provides a major tribute to policing in Ireland. It, in particular, marks the service and sacrifice of RUC officers and offers a unique three-dimensional experience unparalleled anywhere in the world. The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC Garden has moved away from the traditional concept of a war memorial, adopting a more contemporary aspect and allows people to take different experiences from their visits. It includes an historical walk, featuring benches and plaques to create what designers are calling a "history timeline" marking important dates in the history of the RUC. The needs of the disabled, visually impaired, hard of hearing and other specialist groups are accommodated in the new garden. In the more private part of the garden, a "Roll of Honour" inscribed on granite tablets, includes names of all officers who died: in service as a direct result of terrorism; in service but not directly related to terrorism; out of service but directly related to terrorism and Police Authority staff who died as a result of terrorism. Commemorative plaques also acknowledge the support given to the RUC by the Ulster Special Constabulary, the Armed Services, the Emergency Services and Support Services, and the wider Police Family. Requirement The George Cross Foundation requires gardening services to maintain and upkeep the Memorial Garden to a high standard of presentation.