This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

15 Jul 2026 at 20:23

Summary of the contracting process

Buckinghamshire Council is planning a procurement process for the "Provision of AWT/Wycombe Swan Contracts", aiming to explore future operating options for the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and Wycombe Swan. This process, in the planning stage, falls under the industry category of arts-facility operation and cultural event organisation services. It is expected to create a framework for appraising available models and aligning them with council objectives for culture, communities, and places in Aylesbury, UK. A key milestone is scheduled for 14th August 2026, which is part of the preliminary market engagement exercise to evaluate future service delivery options. Businesses are advised to register on Buckinghamshire Council's procurement portal to access necessary documentation and submit returns.

This tender is a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in arts facility management and cultural event organisation services to contribute to the enhancement of cultural venues in Buckinghamshire. With the contract period anticipated to start from 1st September 2027 and run for a decade, firms capable of offering innovative, sustainable, and financially viable operating solutions will find this an attractive prospect. Companies with a proven track record in aligning their services with public authority objectives, particularly those enhancing local cultural infrastructure, are well-positioned to benefit from this engagement. The procurement method focuses on ensuring a strategic fit, minimising risks, and maximising financial and community benefits.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of AWT/Wycombe Swan Contracts

Notice Description

Buckinghamshire Council will be retendering the Licence to Occupy contracts for the Aylesbury Waterside and Wycombe Swan theatres. This PME exercise seeks approval to explore and evaluate future operating options for Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (AWT) and Wycombe Swan. The review will assess the available models, associated opportunities, risks, financial implications, and strategic fit with the Council's objectives for culture, communities, and place. The purpose of this exercise is to develop an evidence-based understanding of the options available and establish the preferred approach for future service delivery. The outcome will inform subsequent decision-making and any future recommendations brought forward for consideration.

Planning Information

This PME exercise seeks approval to explore and evaluate future operating options for Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (AWT) and Wycombe Swan. The review will assess the available models, associated opportunities, risks, financial implications, and strategic fit with the Council’s objectives for culture, communities, and place. The purpose of this exercise is to develop an evidence-based understanding of the options available and establish the preferred approach for future service delivery. The outcome will inform subsequent decision-making and any future recommendations brought forward for consideration. The exercise does not commit the Council to a particular option at this stage; rather, it provides the necessary framework to undertake a robust appraisal and ensure that future decisions are supported by appropriate analysis and due diligence. Please register at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/buckinghamshire-council/aspx/Home for documentation and submission of returns

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cc50
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066999-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

79952100 - Cultural event organisation services

92320000 - Arts-facility operation services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Feb 20277 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2027 - 31 Aug 2037 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
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 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
AYLESBURY
Postcode
HP19 8FF
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Aylesbury North West
Westminster Constituency
Aylesbury

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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