Catering Concession Contract: Chapel Gallery Ormskirk

West Lancashire Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest regarding the provision of a café / bistro facility at its newly refurbished Chapel Gallery, prior to a formal tendering process. This will be a concession contract and the expectation is that the Council will receive an annual income from the successful contractor.

It is the Council's intention to award a contract of up to 5 years. Interested parties are encouraged to attend an open session being held at 14.00 on February 19th 2018 at Chapel Gallery, St Helen's Road Ormskirk Lancashire L39 4QR.

This session is intended to provide an opportunity to find out more about the current catering service and facilities. The café has access to free Wi-Fi and has recently been relocated from the back to the front of the facility.

The Chapel Gallery was opened in 2001 following a successful grant from Arts Council England and has an excellent reputation for providing an arts and cultural service for the Borough. This has included the provision of exhibitions, education workshops, art courses, developing touring exhibitions and the added attraction of a gift shop and café.

Working with various partners over the years it has come to be recognised as one of the region's best galleries. During the course of the last two years the gallery has undergone a significant transformation.

This has included a general improvement of the whole facility with the addition of a glazed lift to the first floor, the trebling in size and relocation of the café to the front of the building as well as an improvement of all the services provided. The café facility now has the ability to cater for 70 covers, there is also a small seating area outside the facility.

The current menu is limited and there is potential for this to be substantially developed. The facility is also taking on an alcohol licence and with the right provider there is also scope for the potential in this area to be realised.

There are five part time members of staff employed on the current contract which the Council considers would fall under the TUPE Regulations. Additional information: Further details can be obtained from The Chest portal at www.the-chest.org.uk.

Please express interest formally via The Chest. You are encouraged to attend the site visit on the 19th February 2018.