---
title: "CA18488 - RFQ2026/37 - Appointment of Specialist Consultancy Team to present options regarding appropriate operating models for a new Theatre and Conference facility in Newry City."
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-075b4030-b922-48ce-8d57-c1836e98f8a3"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-075b4030-b922-48ce-8d57-c1836e98f8a3"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-075b4030-b922-48ce-8d57-c1836e98f8a3.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-075b4030-b922-48ce-8d57-c1836e98f8a3.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMD)"
published: "2026-09-22"
---

# CA18488 - RFQ2026/37 - Appointment of Specialist Consultancy Team to present options regarding appropriate operating models for a new Theatre and Conference facility in Newry City.

Buyer: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMD)  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-075b4030-b922-48ce-8d57-c1836e98f8a3

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## Summary

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is seeking a specialist consultancy team to assess potential operating models for a new Theatre and Conference Centre in Newry City. The work covers management and business development advice for the proposed facility, including recommendations on the most appropriate operating model. The preferred model should support artistic creativity, help grow a new audience and provide long-term viability. This is a consultancy services opportunity, classified under general management consultancy services (CPV 79411000), with related business development and development consultancy elements. The work is intended for delivery in Newry City, although the procurement records a broad delivery geography. The requirement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, making it relevant to specialist consultancies with experience in cultural, theatre, conference, venue or public-sector operating models.

The procurement has reached the tender stage: the council invited offers through an open procedure. The tender deadline set by the buyer is 7 October 2026 at 12:00. The contract is scheduled to run from 28 October 2026 to 28 January 2027. Its estimated value is £29,000. The appointed team will assess potential operating models for the new facility and provide recommendations on the most appropriate option, considering artistic creativity, audience development and long-term viability. The opportunity is presented as a single requirement rather than separate lots. Bids are therefore relevant to consultancies able to address the operating model assessment as a complete assignment and provide evidence-based recommendations for the council’s proposed theatre and conference facility.

This opportunity suits a specialist consultancy able to combine strategic, operational and cultural-sector expertise. Strong candidates will understand how theatres and conference facilities can be governed, managed and commercially sustained, and how different operating models affect artistic ambition, audience development and long-term viability. Relevant experience may include advising councils, cultural organisations, venues or other public-facing facilities on feasibility, business planning, governance, service delivery or operating structures. The work calls for analytical capability: suppliers must be able to assess options, compare their implications and turn the findings into practical recommendations for decision-makers. It is suitable for SMEs, including focused advisory firms or specialist teams that can bring the necessary cultural, commercial and public-sector knowledge without needing the scale of a large generalist consultancy.

## Notice

The purpose of this process is to undertake an assessment of potential operating models for a new Theatre and Conference Centre facility in Newry City and assist the Council with recommendations on the most appropriate operating model for the facility in terms of promoting artistic creativity, growing a new audience for the facility and ensuring long term viability of the preferred operating model. To access this competition: Registered: Login to https://suppliers.multiquote.com and view the opportunity CA18488. Not registered: Visit https://suppliers.multiquote.com then register and quote CA18488 as the reason for registration. Any queries please contact MultiQuote on 020 3920 8054.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/dcd45ad1-0712-46b9-a2d0-cff416b72f09 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 22 Sep 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 28 Oct 2026 - 28 Jan 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £29,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMD) |
| Locality | NEWRY |
| Postcode area | Northern Ireland |
| Postcode | BT34 2QU |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| ITL 1 | TLN Northern Ireland |
| ITL 2 | TLN0 Northern Ireland |
| ITL 3 | TLN08 Newry, Mourne and Down |
| Local authority | Newry, Mourne and Down |
| Electoral ward | Abbey |
| Westminster constituency | Newry and Armagh |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

### Codes

- 73220000 - Development consultancy services
- 79411000 - General management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services

## Release History

- 22 Sep 2026 at 14:48 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/dcd45ad1-0712-46b9-a2d0-cff416b72f09

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/dcd45ad1-0712-46b9-a2d0-cff416b72f09
  22nd September 2026 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder

## Notice URLs

- https://suppliers.multiquote.com

## Provenance

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