Pollok Stables Equine Operator

Tender description

Glasgow City Council is currently refurbishing Pollok Stables and Sawmill, which is situated in the grounds of Pollok Country Park. The Stables were previously used to house Parks staff and the City’s Clydesdale horses. Prior to the current ongoing refurbishment, the condition of the buildings was deteriorating which caused staff and tenants to be moved out in 2017, followed by the City’s Clydesdale horses being moved out in 2018. The Council is committed to reintroducing Clydesdale Horses as part of the refurbishment project, which will deliver a “living heritage centre” intended for a local, city wide national and international audience. In addition to the stables, the project will include a visitor centre, a working Sawmill and hydroelectric scheme, interpretation spaces, education spaces, event spaces and a café. The Council would like to hear from any potential operator in the equine space who could deliver some or all of the following services:- Caring for Clydesdale Horses and working those horses in the delivery of the other aspect of this requirement, Horse and carriage ride experiences Attendance at civic events (Clydesdales) Carriage rides in support of events and weddings The following real estate within the park can form part of the delivery infrastructure for the services described: Residential and operational accommodation Stabling for up to 3 horses in the main courtyard Additional stabling if required to support a business plan elsewhere in the park Shared use of grazing paddocks and fields Glasgow City Council are keen to hear from those who are interested in becoming an operator who would use the stabling on site and those who would have an interest in providing activity (horse handling, carriage rides) which suits the public facing nature of the site. The operator would need to ensure a high standard of public safety.