This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderCancellation

12 Sep 2025 at 11:08

Tender

15 Jul 2025 at 13:48

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council sought experienced operators for Catering Services at Witton Park, located in Blackburn, United Kingdom. The process, tagged as tender cancellation, was initially active but subsequently terminated without awarding the contract. The tender was announced in July 2025, with an enquiry period ending on 1 August 2025 and the tender period concluding on 12 August 2025. The procurement was classified under catering services for enterprises or institutions, following an open competition below the threshold, and aimed at providing quality refreshment services that adhere to health standards and local produce initiatives.

This tender, while ultimately cancelled, presented opportunities for catering businesses, particularly local SMEs and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), to expand their portfolios by aligning with community and health-focused initiatives. The procurement was positioned as a concession, providing business growth through consistent service during park opening hours and catering events at adjoining sports facilities. The tender emphasised quality, local engagement, and social value, promising a competitive environment ideal for those with a strong local presence and capability to cater to diverse dietary preferences and community initiatives.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Catering Services at Witton Park - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Notice Description

Blackburn with Darwen Brough Council (BwD) seeks an experienced operator to provide refreshment to users of Witton Park. The successful Contractor must deliver a quality approach, working with Park Management. * We require a Contractor who will contribute to the appeal of the park. * A Contractor who delivers a quality offer with Healthy Recipes, including Recipe for Health Award, compliance with BwD Food Alliance Pledge, and who will promote the venue as a breast-feeding friendly place as part of the "Breast Feeding Friendly Borough" initiative. * Sourcing & promoting local produce wherever possible. * Accredited by Taste of Lancashire. * Fresh homemade food. * Welcoming and friendly experience. * Always providing a vegetarian selection. * Always providing a selection attractive to children. * Meet dietary requirements and have a full understanding of allergy legislation. * Emphasis on quality rather than an extensive range. Full operating practices will be discussed and agreed with the successful contractor, they will include: * Storage of catering products and delivery crates must not be in public spaces. * The cafe kitchen, preparation and storage areas are visible to the public therefore highest standards of hygiene (including awareness of contamination around allergies), tidiness and professionalism must be maintained at all times. * Opportunity to provide catering for any bookings in the sports arena and gym and 3G pitches. * Minimum opening hours will apply during the parks opening hours and during events. This includes Bank Holidays. * Toilet provision - day to day management & maintenance of outdoor toilet facilities.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055f71
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056088-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55523000 - Catering services for other enterprises or other institutions

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£560,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£560,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Sep 202511 months ago
Submission Deadline
12 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Oct 2025 - 30 Sep 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Blackburn with Darwen
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BLACKBURN
Postcode
BB6 7TE
Postcode Area
Blackburn
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD4 Lancashire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD46 East Lancashire
Delivery Location
TLD41 Blackburn with Darwen

Local Authority
Hyndburn
Electoral Ward
Netherton
Westminster Constituency
Hyndburn

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

Loading OCDS record...