---
title: "Studio Ulster"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0386be"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0386be"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0386be.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0386be.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER"
published: "2023-07-25"
---

# Studio Ulster

Buyer: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0386be

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## Summary

The University of Ulster has planned a public procurement process for the "Studio Ulster" project. The project involves seeking an Operator and Delivery partner for a large-scale virtual studio production complex. The facilities include various stages and studios within the complex, designed to drive research, development, and innovation in the virtual production sector. The procurement process is still in the planning stage, with a focus on creating a Centre of Excellence and driving industry growth in the screen sector in Northern Ireland.

This tender opportunity for the Studio Ulster project presents a significant business growth opportunity for companies involved in virtual production, screen industries, and technology sectors. Businesses with experience in developing specialized equipment, virtual production services, and research and development in creative industries would be well-suited to compete in this procurement process. The opportunity involves a long-term partnership with Ulster University to support the growth of the creative industry sector in Northern Ireland.

## Notice

Ulster University is seeking to procure an Operator and Delivery partner for the Studio Ulster project. Studio Ulster is a large-scale virtual studio production complex designed to support both commercial and research, development and innovation activities. The facilities include, but are not limited to, a large-scale virtual studio sound stage, second flexible virtual production sound stage, a smart/demo stage, a motion capture stage and 3D scanning stage with a total floor area of approx. 70,000sq. The Operator will be responsible for developing the design, the installation and the operation of the equipment servicing Studio Ulster. Studio Ulster will include a 'Tier 1' Centre of Excellence in Research & Development & Innovation in the virtual production and associated technologies sector. The building is being delivered by Belfast Harbour as part of an expansion within the existing Belfast Harbour Film complex. Belfast Harbour, as landlord, and Ulster University have entered into a long-term Agreement for Lease for Studio Ulster. The Operator and Delivery Partner will develop the detailed design for the specialist equipment, procure the specialist equipment on behalf of UU and operate the commercial activities within the facility, which in turn will drive R&D across the virtual production, broadcast, animation, games and immersive elements of this sector. Page 4 to 14 The Operator & Delivery Partner will be required to : * Work with strategic partners within the virtual production and associated technologies sector to support the growth of the creative industry sector in NI, through a focus on virtual production as a nexus within the screen industries. * Promote and operate a centre of excellence in the screen sector, recognised locally, nationally and internationally, as a focal point for the screen industries. * Support innovation in the production cycle to generate new products, services and experiences, through applied research and collaborative R&D with players in the screen industry. * Create a step change in the wider ecosystem by supporting development and driving innovation in the screen sector, that facilitates the application and adoption of new approaches and emerging technologies across multiple industry sectors. * Work with key stakeholders to provide training and skills development opportunities that expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet the needs of the screen sector. Ulster University is fully committed to the implementation and delivery of Social Value through procurement and operations, and this shall form part of the procurement award criteria for this competition

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Ulster University is seeking to procure an Operator and Delivery partner for the Studio Ulster project. Studio Ulster is a large-scale virtual studio production complex designed to support both commercial and research, development and innovation activities. The facilities include, but are not limited to, a large-scale virtual studio sound stage, second flexible virtual production sound stage, a smart/demo stage, a motion capture stage and 3D scanning stage with a total floor area of approx. 70,000sq. The Operator will be responsible for developing the design, the installation and the operation of the equipment servicing Studio Ulster. Studio Ulster will include a 'Tier 1' Centre of Excellence in Research & Development & Innovation in the virtual production and associated technologies sector. The building is being delivered by Belfast Harbour as part of an expansion within the existing Belfast Harbour Film complex. Belfast Harbour, as landlord, and Ulster University have entered into a long-term Agreement for Lease for Studio Ulster. The Operator and Delivery Partner will develop the detailed design for the specialist equipment, procure the specialist equipment on behalf of UU and operate the commercial activities within the facility, which in turn will drive R&D across the virtual production, broadcast, animation, games and immersive elements of this sector. The Operator & Delivery Partner will be required to : * Work with strategic partners within the virtual production and associated technologies sector to support the growth of the creative industry sector in NI, through a focus on virtual production as a nexus within the screen industries. * Promote and operate a centre of excellence in the screen sector, recognised locally, nationally and internationally, as a focal point for the screen industries. * Support innovation in the production cycle to generate new products, services and experiences, through applied research and collaborative R&D with players in the screen industry. * Create a step change in the wider ecosystem by supporting development and driving innovation in the screen sector, that facilitates the application and adoption of new Page 8 to 14 approaches and emerging technologies across multiple industry sectors. * Work with key stakeholders to provide training and skills development opportunities that expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet the needs of the screen sector. It is currently envisaged that the successful Economic Operator will enter into two contractual agreements: * a Collaborative Partnership Agreement with Studio Ulster Limited for all commercial activities to be undertaken in respect of the Studio Ulster and providing for the provision of Operator and Delivery Partner Services to Ulster University by the successful Economic Operator; * a Research and Innovation Partnership Agreement to encourage and initiate research engagement between the Economic Operator and Ulster University that will be mutually beneficial both to the operator and sector wide R&D challenges. An agreement that is responsive to the needs of industry going forward and that will help build a sustainable ecosystem for the development of new solutions, identify applied research needs and supports the wider innovation and development needs of the virtual production sector. Ulster University is fully committed to the implementation and delivery of Social Value through procurement and operations, and this shall form part of the procurement award criteria for this competition that shall be conducted via Reg 30 Competitive Dialogue process.

Options: The University may agree renewal options to to extend for any periods up to and including 120 months.

Renewal: The University may agree renewal options to to extend for any periods up to and including 120 months.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021531-2023 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Competitive dialogue |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning, Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 25 Jul 2023 |
| Submission deadline | 24 Jan 2023 |
| Future notice date | 20 Dec 2022 |
| Award date | 25 Jul 2023 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | £26,000,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Cancelled |
| Lots status | Cancelled |
| Awards status | Unsuccessful |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER |
| Locality | COLERAINE |
| Post town | Northern Ireland |
| Postcode | BT52 1SA |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| ITL 1 | TLN Northern Ireland |
| ITL 2 | TLN0 Northern Ireland |
| ITL 3 | TLN0C Causeway Coast and Glens |
| Local authority | Causeway Coast and Glens |
| Electoral ward | University |
| Westminster constituency | East Londonderry |
| Delivery location | TLN0 Northern Ireland |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
- 39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products
- 48 - Software package and information systems
- 50 - Repair and maintenance services
- 51 - Installation services (except software)
- 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 80 - Education and training services
- 92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

### Codes

- 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 32200000 - Transmission apparatus for radiotelephony, radiotelegraphy, radio broadcasting and television
- 32210000 - Broadcasting equipment
- 32220000 - Television transmission apparatus without reception apparatus
- 32230000 - Radio transmission apparatus with reception apparatus
- 32240000 - Television cameras
- 32260000 - Data-transmission equipment
- 32270000 - Digital transmission apparatus
- 32300000 - Television and radio receivers, and sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus
- 32310000 - Radio broadcast receivers
- 32320000 - Television and audio-visual equipment
- 32330000 - Apparatus for sound, video-recording and reproduction
- 32340000 - Microphones and loudspeakers
- 32350000 - Parts of sound and video equipment
- 32400000 - Networks
- 32410000 - Local area network
- 32420000 - Network equipment
- 32430000 - Wide area network
- 32500000 - Telecommunications equipment and supplies
- 32510000 - Wireless telecommunications system
- 32520000 - Telecommunications cable and equipment
- 32530000 - Satellite-related communications equipment
- 32550000 - Telephone equipment
- 32560000 - Fibre-optic materials
- 32570000 - Communications equipment
- 32580000 - Data equipment
- 38651100 - Camera lenses
- 38651200 - Camera bodies
- 38651300 - Cameras for preparing printing plates or cylinders
- 38651400 - Instant print cameras
- 38651500 - Cinematographic cameras
- 38651600 - Digital cameras
- 38653400 - Projection screens
- 38810000 - Industrial process control equipment
- 39113000 - Miscellaneous seats and chairs
- 39121000 - Desks and tables
- 39122000 - Cupboards and bookcases
- 39134100 - Computer tables
- 39156000 - Lounge and reception-area furniture
- 39294100 - Information and promotion products
- 48210000 - Networking software package
- 48220000 - Internet and intranet software package
- 48311100 - Document management system
- 48318000 - Scanner software package
- 48331000 - Project management software package
- 48332000 - Scheduling software package
- 48333000 - Contact management software package
- 48421000 - Facilities management software package
- 48520000 - Multimedia software package
- 48710000 - Backup or recovery software package
- 48720000 - Bar coding software package
- 48730000 - Security software package
- 48750000 - Storage media loading software package
- 48760000 - Virus protection software package
- 48770000 - General, compression and print utility software package
- 48780000 - System, storage and content management software package
- 48790000 - Version checker software package
- 48810000 - Information systems
- 48820000 - Servers
- 48910000 - Computer game software package, family titles and screen savers
- 48920000 - Office automation software package
- 50340000 - Repair and maintenance services of audio-visual and optical equipment
- 51610000 - Installation services of computers and information-processing equipment
- 51620000 - Installation services of office equipment
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 72100000 - Hardware consultancy services
- 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
- 72300000 - Data services
- 72400000 - Internet services
- 72500000 - Computer-related services
- 72600000 - Computer support and consultancy services
- 72700000 - Computer network services
- 72800000 - Computer audit and testing services
- 72900000 - Computer back-up and catalogue conversion services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 80100000 - Primary education services
- 80200000 - Secondary education services
- 80300000 - Higher education services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 80500000 - Training services
- 92221000 - Television production services
- 92224000 - Digital television
- 92225100 - Film-on-demand television
- 92226000 - Teleprogrammation
- 92370000 - Sound technician

## Release History

- 25 Jul 2023 at 15:17 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021531-2023
- 21 Dec 2022 at 17:25 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036276-2022
- 18 Nov 2022 at 17:09 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032869-2022

## Notice URLs

- http://www.ulster.ac.uk
- https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0386be. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0386be.json.