Operation of the Watford Colosseum

Watford Borough Council is seeking the appointment of an operator for the Watford Colosseum, to have full responsibility for managing and maintaining the venue for an operating period of c.25 years delivering a varied events programme for the benefit of the residents of Watford and wider area. The Council has a number of objectives for new Watford Colosseum operational management contract, including: -to operate the Watford Colosseum to eliminate any need for a subsidy for the facility and to provide a positive management fee payment or income to the Council -for the appointed operator to provide a commercially successful, balanced and varied public events and arts programme -to achieve greater daytime use of the Watford Colosseum, which could include use for conferences, corporate events and weddings -to provide opportunities for community and cultural use of the Watford Colosseum -transfer of risk on asset management (repair, maintenance and lifecycle replacement) to be transferred to the appointed operator. This will be achieved through a full repairing and maintenance lease and/or operating contract; and -for the appointed operator to be responsible for all utility costs and any other charges linked to the operation of the Watford Colosseum for the whole contract period (BID levy and business rates). The building facilities include: -main auditorium which has a 1,280 seat capacity and 2,440 seated and standing (2,000 standing on the event floor (440 balcony seats), 600 banquet, 420 cabaret) -café bar and Forum Restaurant -the Grand Lobby and a number of smaller bars -office accommodation and staff meeting room -changing rooms. The Council is currently heavily investing in the building and carrying out a full refurbishment of the interior and building systems to bring it up to modern standards and to seek to maximise its performance as a commercial venue, including reconfiguration of the bars, creation of space for selling merchandise and installation of advertising hoardings on the exterior Additional information: The Council reserves the right to terminate the process at any time prior to award of contract. The Council does not bind itself to accept any new tender received and reserves the right to call for new tenders should they consider this necessary. The Council shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by any tenderer in connection with the participation in this tender process.