Planning

Expressions of interest for forming and entering into a Joint Venture to deliver a profitable Cafe and Catering Operation within the Town Hall

LOWESTOFT TOWN COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

27 May 2026 at 09:39

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Lowestoft Town Council is seeking expressions of interest for a joint venture opportunity to manage a cafeteria and catering operation within the newly renovated Lowestoft Town Hall. The procurement process is currently in the planning stage, with expressions of interest opening on 27th May 2026 and closing at noon on 12th June 2026. Located in the Eastern region of the UK, the Town Hall project falls under industry categories such as restaurant, food-serving, and catering services. The process will follow up with the potential invitation for a detailed proposal due by 30th June 2026, aimed at preparing for a possible contract commencing in December 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specializing in innovative catering solutions and those experienced in delivering high-quality food services. It is particularly suited for SMEs with a proven track record in catering and the ability to offer unique culinary experiences that incorporate local ingredients. This joint venture could benefit businesses looking to expand their operations by tapping into a revitalized urban space that anticipates substantial public footfall. With the potential for a long-term partnership until 2031, extendable to 2036, stakeholders can play a pivotal role in transforming the Town Hall into a culinary hub and community centre, offering services for events such as weddings and corporate functions.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Expressions of interest for forming and entering into a Joint Venture to deliver a profitable Cafe and Catering Operation within the Town Hall

Notice Description

The renovation of Lowestoft Town Hall is due for completion early 2027 and will generate a really exciting opportunity for an innovative industry professional to provide catering within the building by means of a daily opening cafe / coffee shop and provision of catering via an event space which will include Weddings / Private Parties and Corporate Functions on an ad hoc basis. This newly renovated building is expected to make a significant impact upon the economic regeneration of the area and will also be the new home for The Registrar's Office and Lowestoft Town Council with an anticipated first year public footfall of circa 100,000. Specification - Initial Expressions of Interest should contain the following information and be submitted on no more than 4 sides of A4: a : Summary of existing business interests or experience. b : Evidence of delivering similar catering contracts with references from recent clients and or case studies demonstrating service quality and reliability. c: Evidence of commitment to provide quality exciting and innovative menu options with a commitment to showcasing local ingredients where possible. d : Ideas on how the Town Hall offer could be differentiated from the offer already. available on the High Street allowing the business to thrive alongside those already in situ. If invited to submit a formal application following expression of interest further, more detailed, information will be required in respect of the above as well as additional information which will include but not be limited to: 1 : A documented Health and Safety Policy plus current Food Hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency. 2: Risk Assessments for food preparation, storage and service. 3: Evidence of a general commitment to sustainable practices e.g. in relation to reduction of food waste. 4: Ability to demonstrate financial stability and financial controls when operating a business. 5: Evidence of ability to recruit and train qualified chefs and catering staff. 3. Period A contract commencing no earlier than December 2026 with Joint Venture terms tbc. Notes Within your documentation, please provide a copy of your company insurance policy. Expressions of interest will be assessed in terms of business experience and stability, a commitment to quality provision of food and service, the ability to be flexible as the business grows and the ability to work in partnership with the Town Hall for the benefit of its visitors creating a first class truly memorable experience. It is prohibited for prospective contractors/ business partners to contact Lowestoft Town Councillors or staff to encourage or support their interest outside of the prescribed process outlined below.

Planning Information

The expressions of interest process will open on 27th May 2026 and run until noon on 12th June 2026. The decision process and key dates will then be as follows: • All expressions of interest will be opened and reviewed following the closing date noon on June 12th 2026. • We may contact you at this point if we have any queries about your interest or require any clarification. • We will respond to everyone who submitted a valid expression to notify you if a full and more detailed proposal to enter a Joint Venture is required by 30th June 2026 Advertising for expressions of interests, does not commit the Town Council to proceed with any expression received. Please return all expressions of interest via email to townhallmanager@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk addressed to the Town Hall Manager no later than noon 12th June 2026. Contact details Francis Guildea, Town Hall Manager Lowestoft Town Council, Hamilton House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1DE 0330 053 6019 townhallmanager@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk www.lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06a592
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/049456-2026
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

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

CPV Codes

55300000 - Restaurant and food-serving services

55400000 - Beverage-serving services

55500000 - Canteen and catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
12 Jun 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Dec 2026 - 1 Jan 2031 4-5 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
LOWESTOFT TOWN 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
LOWESTOFT
Postcode
NR32 1DE
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH63 East Suffolk
Delivery Location
TLH East (England)
Local Authority
East Suffolk
Electoral Ward
Harbour & Normanston
Westminster Constituency
Lowestoft

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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