Initial Market Testing – Consultancy, Design and Build of Skate Facilities

Background Skate and Street Sports have always been a popular type of activity for the communities of Swansea. The advent of skateboarding and BMX cycling as an Olympic sport has increased the profile of these activities significantly. Due to the clear links between Skate and BMX both in terms of culture and to a certain extent, shared used of provision/equipment, we have developed this statement with both types of activity considered. The Sport and Health team believe that these more informal sports appeal to many individuals that would not necessarily participate in traditional or competitive sports, although competitive events are becoming more common. Culturally, the activities facilitate interaction between young people from a variety of backgrounds with participants commonly sharing skills and experiences within the skate community and using social media to grow the sport and highlight skills and ability. At entry level, evidence gathered through holiday activity and mobile provision, demonstrates that these activities also lend themselves well as an engagement opportunity with young people in targeted areas, supporting consultation and relationship building. As a result, skate, ‘street sports’ and wheeled sports provision in Swansea has been prioritised for many years, with several small and large scale projects being delivered or facilitated by our Sports and Health team. These include the Penderry Sports Project, the Mobile Street Project, StreetGames, Doorstep Sport and UsGirls provision, as well as support for local organisations such as Friends Groups, Community and Town Councils, who have developed skate and wheeled sports facilities and activities in their local communities. The team continue to actively deliver skate and ‘street sports’ activities with Swansea communities, and have applied the knowledge and expertise gained, to this review; including an assessment of the opportunities that are currently available and the potential for further development and expansion with funding available. Activities that are generally, but not exclusively, provided include skateboarding, BMX, scootering and modified multi-sport. Appointment Swansea Council is undertaking a review of existing skate provision and facilities in Swansea with the intention to redevelop/refurbish existing skate facilities and design and invest in new facilities, as appropriate, through the Swansea. It is envisaged that all existing facilities / potential sites, land is owned by Swansea Council. Swansea Council seeks a suitably experienced Consultant / Project Manager to ascertain the full extent of the works to be completed within the agreed budget in line with local demand, based upon proportionate consultation with key stakeholders, user groups and the local communities, building on the initial review that has taken place. Following this appointment and the completion of the consultation phase, the Council envisages it will require an output report which details out the outcomes of the consultation, and a series of options for investment to include budget costs and phasing in priorities. It is expected that the Council will then be able to procure a works package to appoint Contractor(s) to carry out the Design and Build phase It is anticipated that the Consultancy Phase will commence by December 2022 (this date is subject to change), to be followed by a Design and Build Phase which will need to be completed by March 2024. There will be opportunities for site visits once the tender has been published. It is proposed that all future tender opportunities, both for the consultancy phase and design/build phase will be published via an open procedure, utilising a three-stage consultancy, design and build procurement route, to include project management.