High 5 4 Heritage - Professional Services in Respect of Repair and Restoration Works to the Mechanics Theatre, Burnley

Working in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), the Council is seeking the services of a suitable consultant/s to assist in the delivery of repair and restoration works to the Mechanics Theatre, as part of a five-year heritage led programme, High 5 4 Heritage, focused within Burnley's Civic Core. Through this programme, we are setting out to connect the people of Burnley with our civic history by focusing on the built and social heritage within Burnley's Civic Core.

This is an area of central Burnley which encompasses some remarkable buildings and spaces which are used every day by local people. However, this is an area under threat, as some of the buildings are in decline and it is felt the heritage is not well known about or understood, which we want to change.

To achieve this, we have identified our 'high-five' objectives - 1) make physical improvements to the area by addressing the threats to heritage through building repair and restoration works, while; 2) making our heritage assets sustainable and manageable; 3) engage the community with the intriguing historic events, people and stories that have shaped our town; 4) public realm works to improve visitor experience, and the setting of listed buildings, and; 5) enhancement of public squares. Ultimately, we want to protect our heritage, make it sustainable for the future, connect with our community and make Burnley a more attractive and vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Burnley Borough Council seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced architect, building surveyor or multi-disciplinary consultancy to act as Lead Consultant for the delivery of a major repair and restoration project at the Mechanics Theatre, Burnley. The appointment will build upon design and development work already undertaken and take the project through the remaining RIBA Plan of Work stages, from Stage 3 onwards, through to completion and close-out.

The appointed Consultant shall: Act as Lead Consultant, responsible for overall coordination and delivery of the design team; Undertake the role of Principal Designer in accordance with CDM Regulations; Provide all professional services required to deliver the project from RIBA Stage 3-7. The full details of the Council's requirements and further instructions for the tender response can be found in the Tender Brief.

Tenders are invited from organisations that have the necessary resources, ability, and experience to meet the Council's requirements. It is anticipated that the contract will start on 21st September 2026.