Award

Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

23 Oct 2025 at 12:23

Tender

19 May 2025 at 14:00

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process for the "Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2" was initiated by South Oxfordshire District Council. The tender sought artistic services to create and install innovative lighting artwork for an underpass in Didcot, aiming to transform it into an inviting and engaging route with a focus on community identity. The procurement method utilised was below the threshold open competition, with an active award stage completed by 23rd October 2025. The project is categorised under artistic and literary creation and interpretation services and is located in the South East region of England, specifically addressing the needs of the local community in UKJ14. The contract for this public art project was awarded to PIXEL PUPPETS LTD, with a contract period running from 30th July 2025 to 31st December 2025.

This tender presents significant opportunities for creative businesses specialising in public art and community engagement. Companies that excel in artistic design, particularly those with experience in integrating community heritage and innovative lighting solutions, would be well-suited to projects of this nature. The emphasis on community consultation implies further opportunities for businesses skilled in collaborative and participatory arts. The procurement process highlighted a preference for SMEs, suggesting smaller enterprises with unique expertise and nimbleness could competitively vie for such contracts. The overall focus on enhancing social value, together with criteria including quality and sustainability, underlines the growing trend of public tenders rewarding businesses that offer comprehensive and impactful solutions. The contract valued at approximately £34,484, provides a platform for businesses to establish a lasting legacy in public art and community transformation.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2

Notice Description

Artists are invited to create and install innovative lighting artwork for the Cow Lane Underpass. This project aims to transform the underpass into a welcoming and uplifting route between Ladygrove and the railway station, fostering confidence in its use. The artwork should be inviolately powered, visually engaging, and reflect themes of transformation, the station's history, and local identity, character and landscapes. Informed by community consultation and workshops, the commissioned artist will identify key visual indicators that embed the railway's heritage, responding to the landscape, and helping implant a sense of ownership and community belonging, facilitating a safer space through positive imagery celebrating Didcot's rich heritage. The lighting artwork will redefine the space, making it an inspiring destination and landmark. To design, create and install lighting artworks that Animate the underpass space Enhance the visual appeal of the underpass, transforming it into a positive and engaging space. Celebrate the history and heritage of the railway in the community and local landscapes. Engage local community groups in the design and creation of the artwork. Create a lasting piece of public art that fosters community pride. Improving safety, especially for women and girls For the artwork to promote Increased accessibility, sustainable travel and improved community confidence and safety The artwork creates an enhanced arterial route to North Didcot's green spaces Enriches local identity, pride and sense of belonging Positive engagement with under-represented groups Develops a future legacy, creating tomorrow's heritage

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051736
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067812-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

92310000 - Artistic and literary creation and interpretation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£37,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£37,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£34,484 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
26 Jun 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Jul 20256 months ago
Contract Period
29 Jul 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@southandvale.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
ABINGDON
Postcode
OX14 3JE
Post Town
Oxford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Delivery Location
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC

Local Authority
Vale of White Horse
Electoral Ward
Abingdon Abbey Northcourt
Westminster Constituency
Oxford West and Abingdon

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PIXEL PUPPETS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-051736-2025-10-23T13:23:21+01:00",
    "date": "2025-10-23T13:23:21+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-051736",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PRWZ-2743-VQTG",
            "name": "South Oxfordshire District Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PRWZ-2743-VQTG"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Abbey House, Abbey Close",
                "locality": "Abingdon",
                "postalCode": "OX14 3JE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ14"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@southandvale.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-164662",
            "name": "PIXEL PUPPETS LTD",
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "70-71 Cornish Place, Cornish Street",
                "locality": "Sheffield",
                "postalCode": "S6 3AF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKE32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "hello@pixelpuppets.co"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PRWZ-2743-VQTG",
        "name": "South Oxfordshire District Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "C-000192",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2",
        "description": "Artists are invited to create and install innovative lighting artwork for the Cow Lane Underpass. This project aims to transform the underpass into a welcoming and uplifting route between Ladygrove and the railway station, fostering confidence in its use. The artwork should be inviolately powered, visually engaging, and reflect themes of transformation, the station's history, and local identity, character and landscapes. Informed by community consultation and workshops, the commissioned artist will identify key visual indicators that embed the railway's heritage, responding to the landscape, and helping implant a sense of ownership and community belonging, facilitating a safer space through positive imagery celebrating Didcot's rich heritage. The lighting artwork will redefine the space, making it an inspiring destination and landmark. To design, create and install lighting artworks that Animate the underpass space Enhance the visual appeal of the underpass, transforming it into a positive and engaging space. Celebrate the history and heritage of the railway in the community and local landscapes. Engage local community groups in the design and creation of the artwork. Create a lasting piece of public art that fosters community pride. Improving safety, especially for women and girls For the artwork to promote Increased accessibility, sustainable travel and improved community confidence and safety The artwork creates an enhanced arterial route to North Didcot's green spaces Enriches local identity, pride and sense of belonging Positive engagement with under-represented groups Develops a future legacy, creating tomorrow's heritage",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "92310000",
                        "description": "Artistic and literary creation and interpretation services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ14",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 44000,
            "amount": 37000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://sebp.due-north.com/ Search for opportunities, select South Oxfordshire District Council under Organisations and choose this tender from the list provided.",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-06-26T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 44000,
                    "amount": 37000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2025-07-16T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Evaluation Criteria/Weighting Quality 25% Carbon Reduction & Energy Efficiency 5% Social Value 10% Price 60%"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "022731-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/022731-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-05-19T15:00:53+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "status": "active",
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-164662",
                    "name": "PIXEL PUPPETS LTD"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "92310000",
                            "description": "Artistic and literary creation and interpretation services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKJ14",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "title": "Contract to Design, Create and Install Lighting Artwork For the Connecting Communities Project at Cow Lane, Didcot",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2025-07-30T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2025-12-31T23:59:59Z"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 41380.8,
                "amount": 34484,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": false,
            "dateSigned": "2025-07-30T00:00:00+01:00",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "067812-2025",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067812-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-10-23T13:23:21+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}