Barton’s Point Coastal Park Catering and Educational Opportunities

Barton’s Point Coastal Park

Marine Parade, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 2BX

Expressions of Interest for Catering and Educational Opportunities

Swale Borough Council is keen to build upon and widen the offer at Bartons Point Coastal Park (Google map link below)

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The site measures 31ha and is located on the Northern Coast of the Isle of Sheppey, nestled between Minster-on-Sea and Sheerness; accessible via Marine Parade, the main coastal road link between the two. Currently the site consists of the Boat House Café, toilets, car park, lake, play and picnic areas, an events field along with large areas of open space. There are two tenanted areas used for flying model aircraft and miniature gauge railway. A shared access road provides both for the coastal park and also the adjacent Sea Cadet Corps. As well as being an active leisure site, the coastal park also has extensive wildlife and biodiversity habitats and these remain important to both protect and potentially utilise as a resource.

The Council provided a new toilet block, including showers and ancillary facilities, in 2023. These are available for the benefit of visitors to Bartons Point. The existing drainage provision is via a cesspool.

The Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for two opportunities at Barton’s Point Coastal Park. The Council is open to EOI’s for each of Lots 1 and 2, individually or consolidated proposals which seek to meet both requirements.

For both opportunities, the Council is seeking experienced operators that can demonstrate not only the financial viability of any proposals but also how social value will be delivered. Proposals also need to be sympathetic to the ecology of the site, with consideration for the environment and wildlife and the adjacent Queenborough Lines waterway, which is a scheduled ancient monument.

Whilst acknowledging there is a seasonality to the types and level of activity on the site, the Council is keen to encourage activity throughout the year and this will be reflected in how proposals are considered. As the site has multiple users, with other leased areas, it is also important that proposals can work alongside or with these.

It is anticipated that the Council will continue to provide basic grounds maintenance services to the whole site. The playground and bridge also remain the council’s responsibility. Operators on site will be responsible for general site maintenance relating to their activity, such as litter generated from their operations, signage for activities etc.

Lot 1: The Old Boathouse Café

The old boathouse is a block frame, timber clad building with corrugated roof of the shore of the lake with a self-contained patio area (please see map 1 below). The property provides a good opportunity for a provider to deliver a food & beverage provision for the coastal park and a lease will be offered to the preferred bidder, when identified.

The Council is keen that bidders should demonstrate strong community values in how the Café offer operates. We ask that EOI’s show how the proposed operation contributes positively to how the site delivers social value; for instance by facilitating programmes, events, and activities that strengthen local connections and promote inclusive use of the Coastal Park.

The building has benefited from some refurbishment in recent years but is of basic construction. It is the intention that the terms of occupation will require the successful bidder to maintain the building and undertake improvements required, subject to the Councils consent.

The internal part of the building will be cleared of all existing equipment and fittings ahead of occupation. Bidders are therefore advised to inspect the building and carefully consider the cost of providing catering equipment and any necessary works before submitting in their EOI.

Lot 2: Outdoor Learning

The Council invites proposals which bring structured inclusive outdoor learning opportunities to Bartons Point. This may involve collaboration with local organisations, schools and community partners to create meaningful learning opportunities that support wellbeing, environmental awareness, and lifelong learning. These could be operated from the Lot 1 café building if agreement is reached or from temporary structures within the park supplied by the chosen provider, to be agreed with the Council.

The Council is open-minded as to the nature of proposed activity and any provider will be able to work with the Council’s Greenspaces Ranger, to facilitate activity.

There is an area of grass alongside the lake which is suitable for camping during the summer season and use and management of the lake which may be of interest to Bidders, but individual operators would need to satisfy themselves that proposals would be compliant with all regulatory requirements, including planning and any H&S regulations.

Please submit your EOI by 12pm on Monday 5th October 2026 to [email protected].

Please include the following information:

•Terms of occupation being sought (the Council will be seeking a minimum of 3 years)

•Annual rent being offered to SBC

•A basic Business Plan that demonstrates that the proposal is viable and sustainable for the duration of operation. Your proposal should include details of the operation including the following:

Evidence of previous experience/operations of a similar nature

Detail of the activity and/or food and beverage offer to be provided

Proposed operating dates and times

If intention to make use of the lake then an operation management plan

Any marketing proposals

Details of any other events or activities proposed to increase community engagement and visitor numbers

Some detail as to how social value will be secured from the operation and what benefits you expect to be delivered.

Financial projections demonstrating a strong viability, showing profit & loss forecasts and any surplus in addition to a cash-flow for at least 3 years,

Details of how any planned repairs and improvements will be funded (e.g., grant funding, personal savings, temporary rent concession, etc).

Two business references

Supporting Documents

Plan 1: A historic site plan, showing the extent of the site. This reflects both current and historic uses, with the pitch and putt and camping area.

Plan 2: Plan showing the location of the Old Boat House Café and enclosed patio.

A copy of the Environmental Report produced for Bartons Point is available on request

Please email [email protected] or [email protected] for any further information or to arrange to view the premises.