Official UK procurement notice
MULTI USE GAMES AREA FOR HARDINGS PARK GILLINGHAM DORSET SP8 4HX
Authority: Gillingham Town Council (Local council)
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionTHE PROJECT
Gillingham Town Council invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Hardings Park, Gillingham. The works will include installation of a tarmac sports surface, drainage infrastructure, perimeter fencing, sports line markings, LED floodlighting, and associated access improvements. The project must meet Sport England design principles, relevant British Standards, and planning conditions. Sustainable construction practices and inclusive design are essential requirements.
Background and Objective
Gillingham Town Council is undertaking this development to enhance community sport and recreation facilities in response to local demand. The MUGA will support multiple sports, including tennis, netball, and 5-a-side football. The selected contractor will deliver a high-quality, durable, and accessible facility with integrated lighting, line markings, and fencing to ensure safe, multi-sport use throughout the year.
Location and Site Plan
Hardings Park, Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4HX
Scope of Services
The scope of work will include but is not limited to:
- Site preparation and groundworks, including excavation and sub-base formation
- Construction of a 70m x 40m tarmac MUGA with slip-resistant acrylic coating
- Sports line markings for tennis, netball, and 5-a-side football
- Installation of 3m high perimeter weldmesh fencing with gates and divider netting
- Installation of 4x LED floodlights on 6m steel columns with controls
- Surface water drainage including perimeter French drains
- Access improvements including tarmac link paths and inclusive entry points
- Provision and installation of sports equipment
- Site safety, signage, and construction phase health and safety compliance
- Coordination with planning conditions, utilities, and community stakeholders
- Project management and quality assurance throughout construction
Note: All works are subject to obtaining full planning approval.
TENDER SPECIFICATIONS
MUGA Dimensions
Total MUGA Area: 70m x 40m = 2,800m²
Excavate footprint and create a uniform plateau with pitch gradient in line with Sport England. Install geo-textile membrane and MOT Type 1 or Type 3 stone aggregates
Surface Finish
- Surface for all-weather, multi-sport use, slip-resistant (porus bitmac (tarmac) base layer followed by supersport porus macadam layer two-tone (e.g. dark green court with red surrounds)
- Sports line marking for:
- 4 x Netball courts (yellow lines)
- 4 x Tennis courts (white lines)
- 2 x 5-a-side football pitches (blue lines)
Perimeter Fencing
- Weldmesh fencing: 3m high, galvanised and powder-coated
- One set of 3m wide double leaf gates
- One single access gates for pedestrians/emergency access
- All gates to be lockable and comply with RoSPA safety standards
Floodlighting
- 4x LED sports floodlights mounted on 6m steel columns
- Average LUX level of 200 maintained across the playing surface
- Control panel with timer override and manual control
- Wiring to be installed in underground ducting, with all necessary electrical certification provided on completion
Sports Equipment
- Divider netting system between the two 5-a-side football pitches, retractable or fixed, for safe and separate play
- Netball: 8 x removable galvanised netball posts and sockets
- Tennis: 4 x central nets with tension wire and removable posts
- Football: 4 x 3m x 2m galvanised steel goals with wheels and nets
Drainage
- Perimeter French drain system with appropriate outlets
- Surface gradient for free drainage (1:100 slope)
- All drainage to comply with SUDS requirements
Access & Pathways
- Link path: 1.2m wide tarmac access pathway to the MUGA from Riversmeet
- Drop kerbs and level thresholds to allow for inclusive access
Warranties & Maintenance
- Minimum 5-year warranty on all surfacing and structural works
- Manufacturer's warranty certificates for all installed equipment
- Maintenance schedule and surface care guidance to be provided.
REQUIREMENTS
This section sets out the requirements of Gillingham Town Council in terms of the delivery of the contract.
Health and Safety
The contractor will ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with existing Health and Safety regulations, in particular, but not limited to, the following:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The successful contractor will be required to satisfy Gillingham Town Council as to the knowledge, understanding and compliance with these regulations. Spot checks may be carried out by an authorised officer while work is being carried out. Machinery should be operated by suitably qualified and experienced workers. Contractor staff should wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
The contractor should inform Gillingham Town Council of any unsafe feature or any matter of concern.
The contractor is to be responsible for the Health and Safety of their employees/sub-contractors and the public liability towards the general public. Evidence of licences and compliant health and safety training must be made available to Gillingham Town Council.
The contractor is to keep a record of all risk assessments and to supply a copy to the Gillingham Town Council upon request.
The contractor is to ensure that all staff have the relevant training and ability to carry out the tasks set out on the specification.
The contractor must provide site signage and barriers. Protection of public routes is essential.
Insurance
The contractor is to put in place and maintain its own public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Standards
All plans and associated documentation must meet the requirements of the local planning authority and the Environment Agency.
The contractor will supervise their employees/sub-contractors to ensure that they perform their duties in a way that reflects positively on Gillingham Town Council as the commissioning organisation. This may, on occasion, necessitate the need for spot checking by a manager or equivalent.
The contractor is to ensure that all employees/sub-contractors have the relevant training and ability to carry out the tasks set out on the specification.
Accident Reporting
In the event of an accident, incident, potentially dangerous or dangerous occurrence, the contractor will inform the council within 48 hours of the occurrence.
Precautions to Prevent Nuisance
The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent nuisance from noise and disturbance during the work.
The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions during the work to prevent damage to property and shall be held responsible for any damage resulting from the work and shall make good such damage at its own expense.
Tools and Plant
The contractor shall provide all equipment and machinery necessary for the required work and will clear away on completion. Equipment and chemicals should always be used in the correct manner and for the correct purpose. Any equipment shall be satisfactorily maintained, and records of maintenance shall be made available for inspection on request.
Pricing
Pricing set out in the tender response shall be final.
Provision of Advice
The contractor is required to provide general advice and recommendations to Gillingham Town Council based on its expertise and knowledge and to alert Gillingham Town Council to any additional requirements not considered in the tender document.
Theft, Breakages and Damages
The appointed contractor shall be responsible for the security and protection of all equipment, materials, and the site throughout the duration of the contract. Any loss, theft, or damage occurring during the works will be at the contractor's expense. The contractor must ensure the site is left safe, secure, and tidy at the end of each working day and that public safety is prioritised at all times.
QUALIFYING INFORMATION
The contractor must demonstrate experience in delivering similar outdoor sports facilities, particularly MUGA installations. Tenders must include:
- Company background and relevant experience
- Three examples of recent similar projects (with client references)
- Confirmation of insurances (public liability and employer's liability)
- Health and safety policy
- Accreditation (e.g., SMAS, SAPCA)
- Outline project programme with estimated duration
- Method Statement for each aspect of the work
- A detailed breakdown of quote
- Completed Risk Assessment Forms
- The completed contractor declaration (copy supplied)
- Any other information relevant to the safe completion of the work
SECTION 6 - SCHEDULE OF WORKS
The works are expected to commence in autumn 2026 and be completed within 12 weeks, subject to weather conditions. A detailed work programme must be submitted with the tender, including key milestones:
- Site mobilisation and set-up
- Groundworks and drainage installation
- Surfacing and acrylic coating
- Fencing and equipment installation
- Electrical and lighting installation
- Final inspection and handover
- How the procedure runs: Gillingham Town Council invites tenders for the construction of a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Hardings Park, Gillingham SP8 4HX. This Invitation to Tender outlines the requirements, specification, and evaluation process. The successful contractor will be expected to complete all works in line with the approved specification, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility throughout the contract. All works must comply with relevant planning permissions, British Standards, and health and safety regulations. Tender Timetable Completed tenders must be returned, along with all supporting documents to The Town Clerk, Gillingham Town Council, Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QR to be received no later than Friday 13 March 2026. Tender documents must be sealed in a plain envelope with 'Hardings Lane MUGA Tender Response' written clearly on the front. Tenderers should note that this timetable may be subject to change - any changes will be communicated to all known tenderers as soon as possible. Issue of Invitation to Tender 9 December 2025 Receipt of any queries from prospective tenderers No later than Friday 6 March 2026 Submissions of tenders By 12.30 pm on Friday 13 March 2026 Decision on award of contract by Full Council 23 March 2026 Commencement of work Subject to planning approval September 2026 Completion of work December 2026 Clarifications Any queries or requests for clarification relating to this tender must be made by email to [email protected] no later than 6 March 2026. Gillingham Town Council will endeavour, so far as is practical, to respond to all clarifications as soon as possible. Tender Evaluation Tenders will be evaluated in accordance with the details specified in this document. Gillingham Town Council does not bind itself to accept the lowest, or indeed any, of the tenders submitted. Tenders will be evaluated based on: Criteria Weighting Price 30% Relevant experience 25% Technical Quality 25% Project team and availability 20% Contract Terms By submitting a tender, tenderers are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this tender document without further negotiation or amendment. Gillingham Town Council reserves the right to: • Seek clarification or additional documents in respect of any tender submission. • Disqualify any tender which has been deemed not to meet the Town Council's requirements. • Discount evasive, unclear tenders. • Withdraw this tender at any time or to re-invite tenders on the same or any alternative basis. • Choose not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process. • Make whatever changes it sees fit to the timetable, structure or content of the procurement process depending on approvals, processes, or any other reason. Contract Award Once the council has reached a decision in respect of the contract award, it will notify all tenderers of its decision as soon as is reasonably practicable. Disclaimers While the information contained within this tender document is believed to be correct at the time of issue, tenderers should not rely on the information and should carry out their own due diligence checks and verify the accuracy of the information. The council will not accept any liability for its accuracy or completeness, nor with any express or implied warranty given. This exclusion extends to liability in relation to all information including any statement, opinion or conclusion contained in, or any omission from, this tender including its appendices and in respect of any other written or verbal communication transmitted or made available to any tenderer. Costs Gillingham Town Council will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by a tenderer or any third party acting under instructions from them in proceeding with or participating in this procurement, including if the procurement process is terminated or amended by the council. Confidentiality of Data Gillingham Town Council will ensure that the information and data provided by the tenderers is kept strictly confidential and only utilised for the assessment of this tender.
CPV: Construction materials and associated items · Construction work · Installation services of electrical and mechanical equipment · Sporting services
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · value publishedLot #1Published value£360,000
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance
The contractor is to put in place and maintain its own public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Standards
All plans and associated documentation must meet the requirements of the local planning authority and the Environment Agency.
- Technical & professional ability
The contractor must demonstrate experience in delivering similar outdoor sports facilities, particularly MUGA installations. Tenders must include:
- Company background and relevant experience
- Three examples of recent similar projects (with client references)
- Confirmation of insurances (public liability and employer's liability)
- Health and safety policy
- Accreditation (e.g., SMAS, SAPCA)
- Outline project programme with estimated duration
- Method Statement for each aspect of the work
- A detailed breakdown of quote
- Completed Risk Assessment Forms
- The completed contractor declaration (copy supplied)
- Any other information relevant to the safe completion of the work
Health and Safety
The contractor will ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with existing Health and Safety regulations, in particular, but not limited to, the following:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The successful contractor will be required to satisfy Gillingham Town Council as to the knowledge, understanding and compliance with these regulations. Spot checks may be carried out by an authorised officer while work is being carried out. Machinery should be operated by suitably qualified and experienced workers. Contractor staff should wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
The contractor should inform Gillingham Town Council of any unsafe feature or any matter of concern.
The contractor is to be responsible for the Health and Safety of their employees/sub-contractors and the public liability towards the general public. Evidence of licences and compliant health and safety training must be made available to Gillingham Town Council.
The contractor is to keep a record of all risk assessments and to supply a copy to the Gillingham Town Council upon request.
The contractor is to ensure that all staff have the relevant training and ability to carry out the tasks set out on the specification.
The contractor must provide site signage and barriers. Protection of public routes is essential.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (4)
- Experience: 25%
- Quality: 25%
- Price: 30%
- Availability: 20%
Published award criteria (4)
- Price
- Experience
- Quality
- Availability
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance
The contractor is to put in place and maintain its own public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Standards
All plans and associated documentation must meet the requirements of the local planning authority and the Environment Agency.
- Technical & professional ability
The contractor must demonstrate experience in delivering similar outdoor sports facilities, particularly MUGA installations. Tenders must include:
- Company background and relevant experience
- Three examples of recent similar projects (with client references)
- Confirmation of insurances (public liability and employer's liability)
- Health and safety policy
- Accreditation (e.g., SMAS, SAPCA)
- Outline project programme with estimated duration
- Method Statement for each aspect of the work
- A detailed breakdown of quote
- Completed Risk Assessment Forms
- The completed contractor declaration (copy supplied)
- Any other information relevant to the safe completion of the work
Health and Safety
The contractor will ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with existing Health and Safety regulations, in particular, but not limited to, the following:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The successful contractor will be required to satisfy Gillingham Town Council as to the knowledge, understanding and compliance with these regulations. Spot checks may be carried out by an authorised officer while work is being carried out. Machinery should be operated by suitably qualified and experienced workers. Contractor staff should wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
The contractor should inform Gillingham Town Council of a…
- Price carries 50 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 5 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Works
- Notice status
- Closed
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 15 Dec 2025, 10:42 GMT
- Last source update
- 15 Dec 2025, 10:42 GMT
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 26 Mar 2026
- Authority reference
Project Ref: GTC/2025/03- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-082793- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f575Find a Tender
- How it runs
Gillingham Town Council invites tenders for the construction of a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Hardings Park, Gillingham SP8 4HX. This Invitation to Tender outlines the requirements, specification, and evaluation process.
The successful contractor will be expected to complete all works in line with the approved specification, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility throughout the contract. All works must comply with relevant planning permissions, British Standards, and health and safety regulations.
Tender Timetable
Completed tenders must be returned, along with all supporting documents to The Town Clerk, Gillingham Town Council, Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QR to be received no later than Friday 13 March 2026.
Tender documents must be sealed in a plain envelope with 'Hardings Lane MUGA Tender Response' written clearly on the front. Tenderers should note that this timetable may be subject to change - any changes will be communicated to all known tenderers as soon as possible.
Issue of Invitation to Tender 9 December 2025
Receipt of any queries from prospective tenderers No later than Friday 6 March 2026
Submissions of tenders By 12.30 pm on Friday 13 March 2026
Decision on award of contract by Full Council 23 March 2026
Commencement of work Subject to planning approval September 2026
Completion of work December 2026
Clarifications
Any queries or requests for clarification relating to this tender must be made by email to [email protected] no later than 6 March 2026. Gillingham Town Council will endeavour, so far as is practical, to respond to all clarifications as soon as possible.
Tender Evaluation
Tenders will be evaluated in accordance with the details specified in this document. Gillingham Town Council does not bind itself to accept the lowest, or indeed any, of the tenders submitted.
Tenders will be evaluated based on:
Criteria Weighting
Price 30%
Relevant experience 25%
Technical Quality 25%
Project team and availability 20%
Contract Terms
By submitting a tender, tenderers are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this tender document without further negotiation or amendment.
Gillingham Town Council reserves the right to:
- Seek clarification or additional documents in respect of any tender submission.
- Disqualify any tender which has been deemed not to meet the Town Council's requirements.
- Discount evasive, unclear tenders.
- Withdraw this tender at any time or to re-invite tenders on the same or any alternative basis.
- Choose not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process.
- Make whatever changes it sees fit to the timetable, structure or content of the procurement process depending on approvals, processes, or any other reason.
Contract Award
Once the council has reached a decision in respect of the contract award, it will notify all tenderers of its decision as soon as is reasonably practicable.
Disclaimers
While the information contained within this tender document is believed to be correct at the time of issue, tenderers should not rely on the information and should carry out their own due diligence checks and verify the accuracy of the information.
The council will not accept any liability for its accuracy or completeness, nor with any express or implied warranty given. This exclusion extends to liability in relation to all information including any statement, opinion or conclusion contained in, or any omission from, this tender including its appendices and in respect of any other written or verbal communication transmitted or made available to any tenderer.
Costs
Gillingham Town Council will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by a tenderer or any third party acting under instructions from them in proceeding with or participating in this procurement, including if the procurement process is terminated or amended by the council.
Confidentiality of Data
Gillingham Town Council will ensure that the information and data provided by the tenderers is kept strictly confidential and only utilised for the assessment of this tender.
How it was run
Official notice- Submission deadline
- 13 Mar 2026, 12:30 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 6 Mar 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Completed tenders must be returned, along with all supporting documents to The Town Clerk, Gillingham Town Council, Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QR to be received no later than Friday 13 March 2026.
Tender documents must be sealed in a plain envelope with 'Hardings Lane MUGA Tender Response' written clearly on the front. Tenderers should note that this timetable may be subject to change - any changes will be communicated to all known tenderers as soon as possible.
Timeline
15 Dec 2025 → 1 Sept 2026 · 5 dates- Tender notice published311 days ago15 Dec 2025, 10:42 GMT
- Clarification questions by230 days ago6 Mar 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Submission deadline223 days ago13 Mar 2026, 12:30 GMT
- Award decision expected by209 days ago26 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Contract starts52 days ago1 Sept 2026, 00:00 BST
Notice history
1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender- Tender notice published15 Dec 2025, 10:42 GMTUK4
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (2)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
Notices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender