Tender

Nuns Footbridge

THETFORD TOWN COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderAmendment

05 Mar 2026 at 09:09

Tender Notice
Tender

04 Mar 2026 at 16:34

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Thetford Town Council is actively seeking tenders for the design and construction of a new pedestrian footbridge at Nuns Bridge, Thetford (IP24 2PZ), with the contract falling under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). The tender focuses on addressing safety concerns from increased traffic by providing a segregated crossing over the River Thet. The procurement stage is currently at the tender amendment phase, and submissions are open until 15 April 2026 at 17:00 BST. Mandatory site visits are required by 28 March 2026. This procurement is classified under 'Construction work' (CPV: 45000000) and offers a contract valued at £50,000. The contract start and end dates are planned between 1 July 2026 and 1 September 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in construction, particularly those with experience in bridge design and installation projects. The procurement method is of a limited competitive quotation, allowing small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with relevant expertise to engage competitively below the threshold. It requires the demonstration of past experience, a method statement, and a design proposal as part of the submission, providing firms a chance to showcase innovative approaches under CDM. Companies venturing into projects with steel frame structures, composite decking, and gabion basket support systems can leverage this opportunity to cement their reputation and grow their market presence in the infrastructure domain.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Nuns Footbridge

Notice Description

Project Description Thetford Town Council invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors for the design and construction of a new pedestrian footbridge at Nuns Bridge, Thetford (IP24 2PZ). The existing historic stone bridge at this location currently carries both vehicles and pedestrians. Due to increased traffic associated with recent housing development, this shared arrangement presents a safety risk. The proposed scheme will provide a segregated pedestrian crossing over a tributary of the River Thet, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users. The contract will be delivered on a design and build basis under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). Contractors must demonstrate relevant experience delivering similar bridge design and installation projects. The bridge will comprise a steel frame structure with composite decking and handrails, supported by reinforced concrete foundations within the riverbank. Gabion baskets will be installed along the edge of the watercourse to support the structure. The bridge deck must sit slightly lower than the adjacent Nuns Bridge in order to satisfy conservation requirements and avoid impeding flood flows. The scheme has been designed with regard to flood risk, accessibility and heritage constraints, with a lightweight structure and minimal footprint to ensure floodwater can pass freely beneath the bridge. Contractors must hold the following minimum insurance cover: * Public Liability - PS5m * Employers' Liability - PS5m * Professional Indemnity - PS5m Tender submissions must include company details, insurance documentation, design proposal, bill of quantities, installation methodology, programme, and two examples of similar schemes with references. Mandatory site visits must be arranged with Nick Thompson at Thetford Town Council and completed by 28 March 2026. The Council intends to arrange the required public footpath closure from 29 May 2026 to facilitate construction.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-0ece2da3-f061-4d18-b452-238d33a8641f
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/0e7b6ca0-e19a-49fd-a42e-11377ba8769a
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Competitive quotation (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45000000 - Construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
15 Apr 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 1 Sep 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THETFORD TOWN COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
THETFORD
Postcode
IP24 2DS
Post Town
Ipswich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH5 Norfolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH53 Breckland and South Norfolk
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Breckland
Electoral Ward
Thetford Castle
Westminster Constituency
South West Norfolk

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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