Award

Appointment of an Operator for Bangor Marina and Harbour

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

21 Nov 2025 at 11:40

Tender

10 Jul 2025 at 15:26

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involves Ards and North Down Borough Council, which is looking to appoint an operator for Bangor Marina and Harbour. This competitive flexible procedure falls under the 'services' category, specifically targeting management-related and marine services in the Bangor, Co. Down area. This procurement is notable for the marine industry's involvement and is governed under concession services with significant financial interest, valued at GBP 6,000,000. The process adhered to Northern Irish devolved regulations and consisted of different stages, concluding with a contract award announcement on 21st November 2025. The operational contract is set to commence on 1st April 2026 and could potentially run for up to 60 months, assuming all extension options are executed. Key dates included the expression of interest deadline on 5th August 2025 and the end of the enquiry period on 31st July 2025.

This tender provides substantial business growth opportunities, particularly suitable for operators experienced in managing large-scale marina developments. Given the marina's pivotal location in Belfast Lough and its 5 Gold Anchor accreditation, businesses focused on marine management and leisure sector services are likely to thrive. Moreover, the potential for extending the contract period up to 60 months underscores the stability and long-term collaboration potential for the successful operator. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those with a proven track record in similar marine operations, stand a good chance to compete favorably, leveraging financial reliability and technical expertise as key selection metrics. With Boatfolk Marinas Limited, a notable player, involved in the final stages, the tender reflects a vivid competitive landscape for interested marine service providers.

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

Appointment of an Operator for Bangor Marina and Harbour

Notice Description

Ards and North Down Borough Council seeks Participation Stage Submissions for the appointment of an Operator to operate Bangor Marina and Harbour situated in Bangor, Co.Down. Situated on the Belfast Lough, Bangor Marina and Harbour is one of the largest 5 Gold Anchor accredited marina developments on the island of Ireland. The 541-berth marina is accessible 24/7 at all states of tide and is home to an active fleet of leisure and commercial vessels. The marina attracts a considerable number of visiting vessels annually and is a real focal point within the City of Bangor, Co. Down. The operation of the Marina and Harbour has been outsourced to a private operator since 1 April 2008 with the latest agreement due to expire on 31 March 2026. An opportunity now exists for an experienced operator to take on the management of Bangor Marina and Harbour for an initial 30 month contract period with options to extend for up to a further 30 months. The potential overall contract period (including options) will be for no more than 60 months.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The Contract start date is anticipated to be 1st April 2026 for an initial period of 30 months. There will be an option to extend the contract for a further 18-month period, followed by a final 12-month period. However, due to the anticipated redevelopment works disruption of the marina, the exact length of each option period(s) will be agreed with the successful operator. The overall contract period (including options) will be for no more than 60 months from the 1st April 2026 and each extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement by both parties.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055d2d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075970-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

98 - Other community, social and personal services


CPV Codes

79420000 - Management-related services

98360000 - Marine services

98362000 - Port management services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£6,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£6,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£5,000,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
31 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 30 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2029-09-03

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

ARDS AND NORTH DOWNBOROUGH COUNCIL

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BANGOR
Postcode
BT20 4BT
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN09 Ards and North Down
Delivery Location
TLN09 Ards and North Down

Local Authority
Ards and North Down
Electoral Ward
Castle
Westminster Constituency
North Down

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BOATFOLK MARINAS

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-055d2d-2025-11-21T11:40:43Z",
    "date": "2025-11-21T11:40:43Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-055d2d",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PTTZ-3295-PYCW",
            "name": "Ards and North Down Borough Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PTTZ-3295-PYCW"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "City Hall",
                "locality": "Bangor",
                "postalCode": "BT20 4BT",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKN09"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
                        "id": "GB-NIR",
                        "description": "Northern Irish devolved regulations apply"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02746437",
            "name": "BOATFOLK MARINAS LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02746437"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PJXL-8259-LMVT"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Deacons House Bridge Road",
                "locality": "Southampton",
                "postalCode": "SO31 8AZ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ35"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "info@boatfolk.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier",
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.boatfolk.co.uk",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            },
            "control": {
                "description": "Boatfolk Marinas Limited is a trading entity under the ownership of Premier Marinas Limited (Company number 02973858)."
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PTTZ-3295-PYCW",
        "name": "Ards and North Down Borough Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-055d2d",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Appointment of an Operator for Bangor Marina and Harbour",
        "description": "Ards and North Down Borough Council seeks Participation Stage Submissions for the appointment of an Operator to operate Bangor Marina and Harbour situated in Bangor, Co.Down. Situated on the Belfast Lough, Bangor Marina and Harbour is one of the largest 5 Gold Anchor accredited marina developments on the island of Ireland. The 541-berth marina is accessible 24/7 at all states of tide and is home to an active fleet of leisure and commercial vessels. The marina attracts a considerable number of visiting vessels annually and is a real focal point within the City of Bangor, Co. Down. The operation of the Marina and Harbour has been outsourced to a private operator since 1 April 2008 with the latest agreement due to expire on 31 March 2026. An opportunity now exists for an experienced operator to take on the management of Bangor Marina and Harbour for an initial 30 month contract period with options to extend for up to a further 30 months. The potential overall contract period (including options) will be for no more than 60 months.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "98360000",
                        "description": "Marine services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "98362000",
                        "description": "Port management services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79420000",
                        "description": "Management-related services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKN09",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 6000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "selective",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "The contract will be procured in accordance with the Competitive Flexible Procedure as set out at Section 20(2(b)) of The Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023). This Competitive Flexible Procedure will consist of the following stages: Stage 1 - Participation Stage Stage 2 - Invitation to Tender (inc Review of Draft Operation Agreement) The first stage of this procurement procedure is the Participation Stage which will ascertain the capabilities and suitability of potential operators, ensuring tenderers have the necessary financial standing and professional & technical ability to deliver the Contract. Following evaluation of the Participation Stage submissions, the Council will invite those tenderers who achieve a 'Pass' rating to participate in the next part of the procedure, Stage 2 -Invitation to Tender (ITT). During the ITT stage, tenderers will be asked to provide comment on the Draft Operation Agreement prior to tender submission."
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "concession"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Responses must be submitted via https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps/home.do",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "expressionOfInterestDeadline": "2025-08-05T12:00:00+01:00",
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-07-31T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-03T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 6000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "As stated in procurement documents",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 55,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "description": "As stated in procurement documents",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "Revenue Schedule",
                            "description": "As stated in procurement documents",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "As stated in procurement documents"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "As stated in procurement documents"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "The Contract start date is anticipated to be 1st April 2026 for an initial period of 30 months. There will be an option to extend the contract for a further 18-month period, followed by a final 12-month period. However, due to the anticipated redevelopment works disruption of the marina, the exact length of each option period(s) will be agreed with the successful operator. The overall contract period (including options) will be for no more than 60 months from the 1st April 2026 and each extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement by both parties."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "039068-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/039068-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-07-10T16:26:23+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2029-09-03T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            ]
        }
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "details": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-02746437",
                        "name": "BOATFOLK MARINAS LIMITED"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            }
        ],
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Appointment of an Operator for Bangor Marina and Harbour",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2025-11-21T00:00:00Z",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 6000000,
                "amount": 5000000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-02746437",
                    "name": "BOATFOLK MARINAS LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "79420000",
                            "description": "Management-related services"
                        },
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "98360000",
                            "description": "Marine services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKN",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2025-12-03T23:59:59+00:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2028-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "The Contract start date is anticipated to be 1st April 2026 for an initial period of 30 months. There will be an option to extend the contract for a further 18-month period, followed by a final 12-month period. However, due to the anticipated redevelopment works disruption of the marina, the exact length of each option period(s) will be agreed with the successful operator. The overall contract period (including options) will be for no more than 60 months from the 1st April 2026 and each extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement by both parties."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "075970-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075970-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-11-21T11:40:43Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2025-11-21T00:00:00Z",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-01-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}