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Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre Operator

Rochford District Council

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

TenderCancellation

21 May 2026 at 12:49

UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice
Tender

10 Mar 2026 at 12:59

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

03 Mar 2026 at 12:22

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

07 Nov 2025 at 10:03

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

This procurement process, initiated by Rochford District Council in collaboration with Essex County Council, aims to appoint an operator for the Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre in Rayleigh, Essex. The procurement, classified under the industry categories of recreational, cultural and sporting services, as well as other community, social, and personal services, began in a planning stage and was later moved to a tender process. Unfortunately, the process was cancelled as no tenders were received, leading to the closure without an award. The tender sought a 15-year contract, extendable by five years, beginning in September 2026, with an estimated value of £6 million gross (£5 million net) under an open procedure. The planned timeline included various key dates such as the submission deadline on 24 April 2026 and the award period expected to conclude by 29 June 2026.

This tender presented a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in event management and community services, particularly those with experience in arts and cultural programmes, to expand their portfolios and demonstrate their capabilities in delivering a high-quality, sustainable operations. Suitable bidders would need to show innovation in managing customer experiences, community access, and financial robustness, with potential benefits for SMEs. While the opportunity for this particular contract has concluded, similar future prospects could appeal to businesses focused on enhancing community engagement and sustainable service delivery, thus supporting long-term growth and exposure to new ventures within the Essex region.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre Operator

Notice Description

Rochford District Council intends to procure a suitably experienced and innovative Operator to manage, maintain, and deliver a high-quality, commercially sustainable arts and events programme at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh, Essex. The contract will be a 15-year concessions-led Leasehold and Management Agreement, with an option to mutually agree to extend for a further 5 years (15 + 5). The appointed Operator will assume responsibility for programming, day-to-day operations, maintenance, customer experience, community access, and financial sustainability of the venue.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The contract will be awarded for an initial term as specified within the notice, with the option for the Buyer to mutually agree to extend the agreement for one further period of up to five years. This optional extension may be exercised where it is necessary to ensure continuity of service, maintain value for money, support ongoing operational requirements, or allow adequate time for a subsequent re-procurement. The extension provision is included to provide flexibility should circumstances arise in which extending the contract is in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders.

Planning Information

Essex County Council, through the Essex Procurement Partnership, is carrying out Preliminary Market Engagement on behalf of Rochford District Council for the upcoming procurement of its Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre Operator tender. The Council is looking to appoint a supplier to manage and operate the Mill Arts and Events Centre. The contract will be formed of leasehold and management contract thereby transferring the operation of the Mill and all its activities to an external party. The Council will be seeking a long-term commitment with an experienced company, organisation or trust that combines prudent business planning as well as artistic vision and innovation. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping us ensure the contract is structured in a way that delivers value for money, promotes sustainability, and supports innovation. To take part in this event please follow this link: https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=01e94565-09bb-f011-813a-005056b64545 Please provide responses where applicable. You are not required to answer every question - focus on areas relevant to your expertise or service offering.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05dc68
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047047-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 May 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
24 Apr 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
9 Mar 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Sep 2026 - 1 Sep 2041 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Rochford District 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
8 ROCHE CLOSE
Postcode
SS4 1PX
Postcode Area
Southend-on-Sea
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH37 Essex Thames Gateway
Delivery Location
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Local Authority
Rochford
Electoral Ward
Roche South
Westminster Constituency
Southend East and Rochford

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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