Asset Management and Property Management

You are invited to submit a response to this Request to Participate (RtP) for the provision of Asset Management and Property Management Services. This procurement is being conducted using the Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

The procurement process will comprise three stages, as set out in the tender documents. Blackpool Council is seeking to appoint an experienced Asset Manager and Property Manager to maximise performance and undertake the day-to-day management of the Council's retail assets within Blackpool Town Centre.

The assets within the scope of this appointment include: Houndshill Shopping Centre: an enclosed shopping centre extending to approximately 298,000 sq ft, with 750 car parking spaces, located opposite Blackpool Tower. The centre opened in 1980, underwent refurbishment and a significant extension in 2008, and was acquired by Blackpool Council in November 2019.

A further expansion was completed in 2024, incorporating a nine-screen cinema complex, including an IMAX auditorium, a ground-floor retail unit and a diner/restaurant unit. Victoria Buildings (Corporation Street / Victoria Street Portfolio): comprising a block of seven retail units located opposite Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Marks & Spencer Premises, Church Street, Blackpool Town Centre. The successful supplier(s) will be expected to: Maintain and enhance income generated from the assets through proactive asset management activities.

Support and implement the Council's plans for the future development of the assets within the wider context of Blackpool Town Centre. Report on asset performance and progress against agreed objectives to the Council's Houndshill Steering Group.

Provide the full range of health and safety, financial administration and facilities management services required for the effective operation of commercial premises of this nature. Provide timely financial information, including expenditure data, forecasts and budget projections, to support the Council's reporting requirements.

Liaise and collaborate with other town centre stakeholders to support initiatives that enhance the visitor experience and promote business activity within Blackpool Town Centre. The contract is anticipated to commence on 1 July 2027.

The initial contract term will be five (5) years, with an option for the Council, at its sole discretion, to extend the contract annually for up to a further five (5) years, subject to satisfactory performance, contract review and budget availability. The indicative contract budget is £150,000 per annum.

Tenders are invited either from a single organisation capable of delivering both the Asset Management and Property Management functions or from multiple organisations submitting a joint bid under a single contract arrangement. Where a joint bid is submitted, the Council will expect bidders to demonstrate previous successful collaboration on comparable projects or assignments.

The appointment will be made through a three-stage procurement process. Following evaluation of the RtP stage, a maximum of five suppliers will be invited to participate in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage. Following evaluation of ITT submissions, a maximum of two suppliers will be invited to attend a presentation and interview stage before a final contract award decision is made.