Tender

Tavistock Abbey Remains Project - Conservation Architects Design Brief

TAVISTOCK TOWN COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

08 Jan 2026 at 15:04

Summary of the contracting process

Tavistock Town Council is inviting tenders for the "Tavistock Abbey Remains Project - Conservation Architects Design Brief." This procurement is part of the Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey Project, focusing on the repair and enhancement of historic structures, Betsy Grimbal's Tower and the Stillhouse, both of which are located in Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom, and are under the ownership of Tavistock Town Council. The tender is currently in the procurement stage of "Tender," with submissions due by midday on 29th January 2026. This open competition, identified under the CPV code for Architectural, construction, engineering, and inspection services, seeks a conservation architect with experience in heritage projects. The estimated budget for architectural services is £30,000, with the entire project valued between £325,000 and £375,000 (excluding VAT). The legal framework is guided by the UKPGA 2023/54 legislation.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for conservation architects with expertise in heritage site preservation, offering the potential for substantial business growth by engaging in a project funded by grants. The successful bidder will participate in national heritage conservation efforts, contributing to Tavistock's cultural and historical richness while working within a collaborative environment with Tavistock Heritage Trust. Businesses with specialised skills in historic building conservation, structural repairs, and archaeological consultancy would be well-suited to this tender, particularly those possessing relevant accreditation and experience with projects of similar scope and scale. The tender assessment is weighted equally on price and technical merit, encouraging comprehensive and competitive submissions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Tavistock Abbey Remains Project - Conservation Architects Design Brief

Notice Description

BRIEF FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A CONSERVATION ARCHITECT FOR THE REPAIR WORKS TO THE STILLHOUSE AND BETSY GRIMBAL'S TOWER, TAVISTOCK, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE 'REDISCOVERING TAVISTOCK ABBEY PROJECT' 1. Summary Tavistock Town Council as Client and Accountable Body invites tenders from an AABC or equivalent Conservation accredited Architect with the relevant skills and capability in heritage and conservation projects to take the lead role for the grant funded repair, refurbishment and new public access, lighting and signage enhancement of Betsy Grimbals Tower (Grade 1 (No.1326209)) and Still House (Grade 2 (No.1105870)) buildings located on Plymouth Rd in the town centre. Provided on Tavistock Town Council website to assist with the submission are elevation drawings, conditions surveys, archaeologist report and budget estimates for the work. The budget allowance for this project for Architects fees is up to PS30,000 plus VAT. The capital costs for the works in total are estimated between the range of PS325,000-PS375,000 plus VAT. In addition an allowance excluding VAT has been made for Structural Engineer (PS3,700), Archaeologist (PS16,000) and Ecologist (PS5,000). The Architects roles and responsibilities under RIBA stages 3-7 include Contract Administration of the capital grant funded fabric works which will be executed under a RIBA or JCT Building Contract as well as liaison and contract management of other appointed professional consultants listed above. During the construction phase on Betsy Grimbals Tower there will also be two skills day workshops and an archaeological dig project co-ordinated by Tavistock Heritage Trust. Other tasks include the production of tender documents, tender evaluation and report, liaison with client throughout, capital progress meeting coordination (please outline allowance within your submission) and production of 5 year maintenance plan on completion of works. The timelines include: letting of Conservation Architect Contract end of January 26, anticipated June start date for capital works, completion date for capital works mid-November 26. 2. Overview The above is part of the Rediscovering Abbey Remains Project. The objectives are wide and diverse; part of which is to ensure the continuous repair and care of the Tavistock Abbey remains. Further elements of the project include extensive archaeological investigations, research into the abbey and its life and power and the creation of AV interpretation of the finds and research. They will ensure long term interest both from the local community and visitors, and provide knowledge of the abbey, which until now has been rather piecemeal, and will aim to create an educational resource for schools and research. The capital works relating to the repairs will be managed by the Tavistock Town Council who own the two substantial abbey remains. The Town Council are in partnership with the Tavistock Heritage Trust who will be managing the remaining elements of the project relating to research and interpretation. Tavistock Abbey is a Scheduled Monument SAM 1020401. Betsy Grimbal's Towers is Listed Grade I and is on the At Risk Register, category C (slow decay; no solution agreed). The building borders Plymouth Road, the entrance to the Bedford Hotel carpark and the Tavistock Vicarage parking area. The Stillhouse is Listed Grade II located within the curtilage of the garden of the Bedford Hotel and Tavistock Vicarage garden and borders the abbey's precinct wall abutting the River Tavy. Both buildings are in the ownership of the Tavistock Town Council. Information about the Tavistock Town Council is available on www.tavistock.gov.uk, and the Tavistock Heritage Trust on www.heritageintavistock.org. 3. Submission requirements Applicants should note that submission should be made by post and must be received no later than the stated deadline. It is the tenderers responsibility to ensure that their tenders arrive at the office address and by this date and time. Tavistock Town Council does not undertake to consider late tenders. If you are interested in tendering for this project please return your tender in writing in a sealed envelope by no later than midday 29th January 26 marked: CONFIDENTIAL - REDISCOVERING TAVISTOCK ABBEY PROJECT to: The Proper Officer, Tavistock Town Council, Town Council Offices, Drake Road, TAVISTOCK, Devon, PL19 0AU. For tender enquiries please contact Wayne Southall on 01822 616134 or via email wayne.southall@tavistock.gov.uk For site access please contact Becky Rowe on 01822 616134 or via email becky.rowe@tavistock.gov.uk Note - prospective tenderers are prohibited from contacting staff or councillors to canvass or encourage support for their tender outside of the prescribed process. The tenders will be assessed 50% price, 50% technical return. The submission should include a financial breakdown of the project stages listed above and an indication of the estimated allocation allowed for relating to meetings/site attendance. The technical return should include an outline methodology for delivering the project scope, evidence Professional Indemnity Insurance, schedule of stage payments, QA documentation relating to key personal and comms arrangements, two suitable references and evidence of experience in delivering three conservation projects of a similar scope/size.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060207
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001532-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£30,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£30,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jan 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
29 Jan 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2026 - 30 Jun 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TAVISTOCK TOWN COUNCIL
Contact Name
Laura Harley
Contact Email
laura.harley@tavistock.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+441822616134

Buyer Location

Locality
TAVISTOCK
Postcode
PL19 0AU
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
West Devon
Electoral Ward
Tavistock North
Westminster Constituency
Torridge and Tavistock

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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