Planning

Cardiff Riding School

CARDIFF COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

11 Feb 2026 at 12:53

Summary of the contracting process

Cardiff Council has initiated a tender process for the redevelopment and management of Cardiff Riding School, a public equestrian facility located in the scenic Pontcanna Fields, Cardiff. As part of the planning stage, interested parties are invited to express their interest by completing a questionnaire via Proactis by 12:00 noon on 11th March 2026. The procurement process aims to identify a contractor capable of investing capital to enhance the facility, managing existing staff, and expanding educational programmes. This contract falls under the category of "services" with a concession special regime and is valued at £18,000,000, grossing at £21,600,000. The anticipated contract period extends from 1st December 2026 to 1st December 2051.

This tender presents notable opportunities for businesses in the sectors of property management, sports facilities operation, and horse riding school services. Companies specialising in building and facilities management, business organisation, and commercial property management can leverage their expertise to meet the needs of Cardiff Riding School. This project is particularly well-suited for SMEs looking to invest in infrastructure and develop programmes aimed at children and young people, including those at risk of failing in mainstream education. The strategic location coupled with the need for modernisation and expansion offers ample growth potential for capable contractors willing to bring innovation and investment to the equestrian centre.

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Notice Title

Cardiff Riding School

Notice Description

Cardiff Riding School is the only Local Authority operated equestrian facility in Wales delivering riding lessons for schools, children and adults, disability groups, children's parties and more recently for alternative curriculum for children at risk of failing in mainstream education. It also provides a livery for private horse owners. The facility is set in the beautiful surrounding of Pontcanna Fields in the heart of the city with excellent public transport access. The facility is in need of capital investment and has potential for growth through broadening the education programme, better use of the outdoor space and products on offer. The facility comprises: Indoor riding school - Building 45m x 40m but part of the 40m is gallery so actual riding area 45m x 25m. Outdoor riding school 40m x 40m. External fenced grounds of 35 acres including buildings, grounds (approx. 30 acres). Car Park for 50/60 cars. Stables x 39 stables, 8 stalls Livestock comprises: Horses x 43, 31 school horses, 12 livery horses, 1 of those working livery so works in the school Ancillary facilities are as follows: First Aid, Feed, Staff Room, Demountable office, Caretakers House (24 hr care) BTEC classroom, Portable toilets, Barn with internal rooms for parties/pony club and feed storage. Staffing consists of: Instructors x 6 contracted and 11 agency. Yard hands x 2 contracted and 13 agency. Assistant Management x 1. Receptionists x 3 contracted and 3 agency. 8.5 FTE's. Bookings Full daily Tuesday to Sunday 9am-8pm weekdays 9am-4.30pm weekends Current estimated Annual Income: PS570,000 Current estimated Annual Expenditure PS98,000 www.outdoorcardiff.com/cardiff-riding-school The aim is to attract an operator that can bring significant capital investment to the facility, protect, develop and enhance the existing programme. Manage, develop existing staff (TUPE will apply) and recruit new staff to grow and develop the educational offer. Provide new educational opportunities for children and young people linking with local schools, colleges and targeting children at risk of failing in mainstream education through providing vocational education opportunities. To modernise systems and develop the riding school as an equestrian centre of development and excellence. The Council invites interested prospective contractors to lodge an initial expression of interest via Proactis and submit a questionnaire response before 12:00 noon on 11th March 2026 https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login Participating in this exercise will not guarantee short-listing at a later stage in the procurement, likewise non-participation of the questionnaire or any engagement sessions will not result in a bidder being excluded from the tender process.

Planning Information

Initial expression of interest via Proactis and completion of the questionnaire by 12:00 (noon) on 11th March 2026. https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064dcf
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012380-2026
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
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

70 - Real estate services

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

80 - Education and training services

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

45212110 - Leisure centre construction work

45212290 - Repair and maintenance work in connection with sports facilities

70330000 - Property management services of real estate on a fee or contract basis

70332000 - Non-residential property services

70332100 - Land management services

70332200 - Commercial property management services

79993000 - Building and facilities management services

79996000 - Business organisation services

80513000 - Horse riding school services

92610000 - Sports facilities operation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£18,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Aug 20266 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 1 Dec 2051 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CARDIFF COUNCIL
Contact Name
alex tombs
Contact Email
ardalprocurement@cardiff.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+447815463657

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF10 4UW
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
TLL22 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan

Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Butetown
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff South and Penarth

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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