Newport Roman Villa Soft Market Testing

The council is seeking to engage the market to determine whether a future procurement exercise is viable and to identify options for the future management and operation of Newport Roman Villa, to include the feasibility of extending the facility to maximise user numbers and engagement. It is essential that an interested partner is able to demonstrate a successful track record in the management and development of similar heritage/cultural facilities.

The council is keen to explore the market's ability and preferences to offer innovative solutions and support the delivery of the following objectives: - • External management and operation of the Roman Villa at no cost to the council • Maintain museum accreditation with a demonstrable commitment to continuous improvement • Maintain the facility for public benefit while enhancing its national and international profile • Maintain trusted and positive relationships with local collectors • Improve the Roman Villa's value and use as an educational resource, increasing annual numbers form visiting schools • Maintain the Roman Villa accredited status ensuring it is profitable and fit for purpose facility • Care for the physical fabric of the Villa, implement a continual programme of maintenance to ensure that it does not degrade • Increase facility usage numbers as well as visitors to Newport The soft market test is intended to allow interested organisations with appropriate experience to outline their views and provide information with no commitment to themselves or the council. It is not part of a formal procurement process and the council is not committed to carrying out such a process.

The soft market test will provide an opportunity for interested parties to have a time limited meeting with council officers if they so wish. Dialogue at this stage will be limited to information that is currently available within the public domain.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to share any confidential information at this stage. Viewings will be available upon request.

Additional information: To download the Soft Market Engagement documentation, please click on the attached link in Section 5 and either log in or register your company first, and then log in. The registration process is free, simple and full instructions on how to do this are available on the South East Business Portal.

Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive a username and password via email. When you log on for the first time you will be prompted to change your password.

Please note however that if your company has already been registered, your application will be rejected to avoid duplication and additional service users will need to be set up on the existing account. There is no cost to you for registering your company.