Planning

Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre Operator

ROCHFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

07 Nov 2025 at 10:03

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Rochford District Council, in collaboration with Essex County Council through the Essex Procurement Partnership, is in the planning stage of a procurement process anticipated to select a new operator for the Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre. The intended contract will involve a leasehold and management agreement, with an aim to transfer the management and operation responsibilities to an external supplier. This tender falls under the "Recreational, cultural and sporting services" and "Other community, social and personal services" industry categories. The procurement process is currently in the preliminary market engagement phase, with the engagement activity scheduled to conclude on 1st December 2025. The contract is planned to commence on 1st June 2026 and will be managed within the UKH36 region, representing a significant investment opportunity as the estimated contract value exceeds £5 million in net terms, with the potential to reach £6 million gross.

This procurement presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses experienced in managing community and recreational facilities. Firms that demonstrate capability in the integration of solid business acumen with artistic vision and innovation are particularly well-placed to compete. Businesses that are small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) or those within the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector may also find this opportunity highly suitable, given the emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The requirement for long-term commitment aligns with firms looking to establish or extend their footprint in community and cultural service operations within the local region. Participation in the market engagement phase could provide critical insights and allow businesses to better align their bids with the council’s objectives, ultimately enhancing their competitive edge in the forthcoming tendering process.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre Operator

Notice Description

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. Below are key areas of interest. Please provide responses where applicable. You are not required to answer every question - focus on areas relevant to your expertise or service offering.

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/071888-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
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
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 May 2041 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ROCHFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
andrew.clark@rochford.gov.uk, procurementsanda@essex.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
8 ROCHE CL
Postcode
SS4 1PX
Post Town
Southend-on-Sea
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

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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