---
title: "Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-051736"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-051736"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-051736.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-051736.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL"
published: "2025-10-23"
---

# Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2

Buyer: SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-051736

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-051736)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-051736.json)

## Summary

The public procurement process for the "Connecting Communities Project, Cow Lane, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Strand 2" was initiated by South Oxfordshire District Council. The tender sought artistic services to create and install innovative lighting artwork for an underpass in Didcot, aiming to transform it into an inviting and engaging route with a focus on community identity. The procurement method utilised was below the threshold open competition, with an active award stage completed by 23rd October 2025. The project is categorised under artistic and literary creation and interpretation services and is located in the South East region of England, specifically addressing the needs of the local community in UKJ14. The contract for this public art project was awarded to PIXEL PUPPETS LTD, with a contract period running from 30th July 2025 to 31st December 2025.

This tender presents significant opportunities for creative businesses specialising in public art and community engagement. Companies that excel in artistic design, particularly those with experience in integrating community heritage and innovative lighting solutions, would be well-suited to projects of this nature. The emphasis on community consultation implies further opportunities for businesses skilled in collaborative and participatory arts. The procurement process highlighted a preference for SMEs, suggesting smaller enterprises with unique expertise and nimbleness could competitively vie for such contracts. The overall focus on enhancing social value, together with criteria including quality and sustainability, underlines the growing trend of public tenders rewarding businesses that offer comprehensive and impactful solutions. The contract valued at approximately £34,484, provides a platform for businesses to establish a lasting legacy in public art and community transformation.

## Notice

Artists are invited to create and install innovative lighting artwork for the Cow Lane Underpass. This project aims to transform the underpass into a welcoming and uplifting route between Ladygrove and the railway station, fostering confidence in its use. The artwork should be inviolately powered, visually engaging, and reflect themes of transformation, the station's history, and local identity, character and landscapes. Informed by community consultation and workshops, the commissioned artist will identify key visual indicators that embed the railway's heritage, responding to the landscape, and helping implant a sense of ownership and community belonging, facilitating a safer space through positive imagery celebrating Didcot's rich heritage. The lighting artwork will redefine the space, making it an inspiring destination and landmark. To design, create and install lighting artworks that Animate the underpass space Enhance the visual appeal of the underpass, transforming it into a positive and engaging space. Celebrate the history and heritage of the railway in the community and local landscapes. Engage local community groups in the design and creation of the artwork. Create a lasting piece of public art that fosters community pride. Improving safety, especially for women and girls For the artwork to promote Increased accessibility, sustainable travel and improved community confidence and safety The artwork creates an enhanced arterial route to North Didcot's green spaces Enriches local identity, pride and sense of belonging Positive engagement with under-represented groups Develops a future legacy, creating tomorrow's heritage

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067812-2025 |
| Notice type | UK7 - Contract Details Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Below threshold - open competition |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 23 Oct 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 26 Jun 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 29 Jul 2025 |
| Contract period | 29 Jul 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £37,000 |
| Lots value | £37,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £34,484 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL |
| Locality | ABINGDON |
| Post town | Oxford |
| Postcode | OX14 3JE |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC |
| Local authority | Vale of White Horse |
| Electoral ward | Abingdon Abbey Northcourt |
| Westminster constituency | Oxford West and Abingdon |
| Delivery location | TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | PIXEL PUPPETS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

### Codes

- 92310000 - Artistic and literary creation and interpretation services

## Release History

- 23 Oct 2025 at 12:23 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067812-2025
- 19 May 2025 at 14:00 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/022731-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067812-2025
  23rd October 2025 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/022731-2025
  19th May 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://sebp.due-north.com/
- https://sebp.due-north.com/Searchforopportunities,selectSouthOxfordshireDistrictCouncilunderOrganisationsandchoosethistenderfromthelistprovided.
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## 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-051736. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-051736.json.