Lead Development Partner

Tender description

Clyde Naval Heritage is seeking to appoint a Lead Development Partner to support the delivery of a sub-250,000 Development Phase application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). As part of the overall delivery contract we are looking for a partner willing to invest, unpaid, in the initial upfront NLHF Sub bid, with a view to unlocking capital from HNWI / Major Donor campaigns for the return of HMS Ambuscade /PNS Tariq to the Clyde and the establishment of an interactive Clyde Naval Heritage Centre and Falklands War Museum. Project management and professional support will also be required as part of contract. This appointment is for a development partner with the vision, expertise, and capacity to co-lead the transformation of this nationally significant maritime heritage asset into a successful, sustainable visitor destination and regeneration catalyst for the Clyde and the wider riverfront. Lot 1: Clyde Naval Heritage is seeking to appoint a Lead Development Partner to support the delivery of a sub-250,000 Development Phase application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). As part of the overall delivery contract we are looking for a partner willing to invest, unpaid, in the initial upfront NLHF Sub bid, with a view to unlocking capital from HNWI / Major Donor campaigns for the return of HMS Ambuscade /PNS Tariq to the Clyde and the establishment of an interactive Clyde Naval Heritage Centre and Falklands War Museum. Project management and professional support will also be required as part of contract. This appointment is for a development partner with the vision, expertise, and capacity to co-lead the transformation of this nationally significant maritime heritage asset into a successful, sustainable visitor destination and regeneration catalyst for the Clyde and the wider riverfront. The successful bidder will be expected to: Sub-250,000 Project Development Phase – May 2025-June 2025 Lead the preparation and submission of a sub-250,000 NLHF application (including EoI if required)- Key deliverable Coordinate stakeholder engagement across NLHF, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Government, National Historic Ships UK, NMRN, and Inverclyde partners- deliverable as a report to the board Provide lead fundraising strategy for 1.2m Phase 1 capital (HMS Ambuscade repatriation.) – Key deliverable Sub-250,000 Project Delivery Phase - Aug 2025-April 2026 Conditional on sourcing ongoing funding: Achieve initial seed funding from NLHF and rescue funding for Ambuscade / PNS Tariq. Develop an Outline Activity Plan, Conservation Management inputs, fundraising strategy, business plan and capital delivery roadmap including story and engagement strategy based off pilots- Reports deliverable to the board Identify future partners for the Heritage Centre both in terms of heritage conservation but also commercial and visitor engagement- Lead engagement with new and additional diaspora and international philanthropic funders (UK, Pakistan, Gulf, US, Falkland Islands and Argentina).- Advise on early-stage procurement, legal, and site negotiation strategy. Produce outline operational model, phasing plan, and impact forecasts for Clyde Naval Heritage Centre. Run pilot sessions with communities in Glasgow and outlying areas re oral histories on the shipbuilding heritage of the Clyde; work in partnership with existing attractions on site to develop holistic, attractive and mutually beneficial engagement strategy. This will include sessions with veterans throughout UK and Pakistan. Ongoing Support Clyde Naval Heritage will retain ownership of all Intellectual Property in all data and deliverables during the course of the contract. May 2026 onwards - Conditional on sourcing ongoing funding: Deliver/oversee future RIBA stages (1–4+) across multiple sub-projects, including site development, vessel conservation, visitor centre, exhibitions, and associated infrastructure- Deliverable -Project documentation Provide strategic oversight and coordination across diverse project partners and funders Lead or support long-term fundraising across public, private, and philanthropic sectors