ROLLS BRIDGE / JUBILEE FIELDS FOOTBRIDGE AND FOOTPATH PROJECT

Introduction

Gillingham Town Council is seeking tenders from experienced and appropriately qualified contractors for the construction of two new footbridges and a new riverside path at Jubilee Fields, Gillingham. The project must support sustainable environmental practices and meet regulatory and planning requirements.

Scope of Services

The scope of work will include, but is not limited to

• Bridge A: Supply and install a 17m long, 2.5m wide steel frame pedestrian bridge with recycled plastic decking and parapets over the River Stour, including all necessary concrete abutments and foundations, with a minimum 20-year warranty on plastic components.
• Bridge B: Remove the existing 9m timber bridge and supply and install a new 9m long, 2.5m wide steel frame bridge with recycled plastic decking and parapets over the stream using existing pads.
• Footpath Works: Excavate and construct a new footpath alignment (approx. 85m), 200mm deep and at least 5m from the riverbank (except at the culvert crossing), reconnecting to the existing tarmac path.
• Culvert Crossing: Supply and install a suitable culvert at the stream crossing.
• Site safety, signage, and construction phase health and safety compliance.
• Compliance with planning conditions.
• Project management and quality assurance throughout construction.
• Compliance: Ensure all works meet relevant standards, planning and environmental consents, and health and safety requirements.
• Handover: Leave site clean and tidy. Provide as-built drawings, maintenance manuals, and warranty certificates on completion.

TENDER SPECIFICATIONS

• General Requirements
• All works must comply with relevant British Standards, industry best practice, and statutory and regulatory requirements.
• The contractor must implement sustainable environmental practices, including the use of recycled materials as specified.
• Bridge A - New Pedestrian Bridge over River Stour
• Clear and prepare site:

o Work must be carried out in accordance with the ecologists' recommendations.

• Design and Materials:

o Supply and install a steel frame pedestrian bridge with Recycled plastic decking and parapets.

o Bridge dimensions: 17 metres long, 2.5 metres wide.

o Minimum 20-year warranty.

• Foundations:

o Construct concrete abutments with footings set approximately 5 metres from the riverbank edge.

• Installation:

o Complete installation with minimal disruption to the environment and public access.

o Ensure compliance with all planning and environmental consents.

• Bridge B - Replacement Pedestrian Bridge over Stream
• Removal and Disposal:

o Dismantle and remove the existing 9-metre timber bridge.

o Remove and dispose of all waste materials in accordance with environmental regulations.

• Replacement:

o Supply and install a new steel frame bridge with recycled plastic decking and parapets, 9 metres long and 2.5 metres wide and attach to existing pads.

o Ensure the new bridge is suitable for pedestrian use and meets all relevant standards.

• Footpath Works
• Excavation and Construction:

o Excavate a new path to connect to the existing path approximately 86 metres long, as shown on the map on Page 4, and to a depth of 200mm.

o Construct the new path at a minimum of 5 metres from the riverbank edge.

o Surface the new path with tarmac and provide flat top concrete edging both sides along the whole length.

• Culvert Crossing:

o Supply and install a suitable culvert at the stream crossing, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and consents.

• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
• Comply with all necessary planning permissions, environmental permits, and consents.
• Implement measures to protect the river and surrounding habitats during construction.
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements.
• Handover and Warranty
• Provide all necessary documentation, including as-built drawings, maintenance manuals, and warranty certificates.
• Ensure all works are completed to the satisfaction of Gillingham Town Council and any relevant statutory bodies.

Note: All works are subject to obtaining full planning approval

Tender Timetable

Issue of Invitation to Tender 24 March 2026

Receipt of any queries from prospective tenderers 10 May 2026

Submissions of tenders 12 Noon 15 May 2026

Decision on award of contract by Full Council 26 May 2026

Commencement of work Subject to required planning approval and Flood Risk Activity Permit

Clarifications

Any queries or requests for clarification relating to this tender must be made by email to GTC@gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk no later than 10 May 2026. Gillingham Town Council will endeavour, so far as is practical, to respond to all clarifications as soon as possible.

Completed tenders must be returned, along with all supporting documents, to The Town Clerk, Gillingham Town Council, Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QR to be received no later than 12 noon on 15 May 2026.

Tender documents must be sealed in a plain envelope with 'Jubilee Fields Bridge and Footpath Tender Response' written clearly on the front. Tenderers should note that this timetable may be subject to change - any changes will be communicated to all known tenderers as soon as possible.

To ensure fairness and transparency, we do not accept submission of tenders by email. However, supplementary or supporting information may be provided via email if required

Contract Terms

By submitting a tender, tenderers are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this tender document without further negotiation or amendment.

Gillingham Town Council reserves the right to

• Seek clarification or additional documents in respect of any tender submission.
• Disqualify any tender which has been deemed not to meet the Town Council's requirements.
• Discount evasive, unclear tenders.
• Withdraw this tender at any time or to re-invite tenders on the same or any alternative basis.
• Choose not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process.
• Make whatever changes it sees fit to the timetable, structure or content of the procurement process depending on approvals, processes, or any other reason.

Disclaimers

While the information contained within this tender document is believed to be correct at the time of issue, tenderers should not rely on the information and should carry out their own due diligence checks and verify the accuracy of the information.

Pricing

Pricing set out in the tender response shall be final.

Provision of Advice

The contractor is required to provide general advice and recommendations to Gillingham Town Council based on its expertise and knowledge and to alert Gillingham Town Council to any additional requirements not considered in the tender document.

Please ensure your submission is as comprehensive and detailed as possible, highlighting any additional elements you consider necessary for the successful delivery of the project.

Please submit a separate detailed breakdown of costs to include the following items

1 Site Management

• Allow to inspect the site and arrange for all necessary protection, including safety fencing and signage. Include for all works necessary to comply with current legislation requirements.
• Storage, plant, welfare facilities, health & safety
• Any additional items

2 Bridge A

• Clear site
• Supply and install a steel frame pedestrian bridge with recycled plastic decking and parapets.
• Construct concrete abutments with footings
• Any additional items

3 Bridge B

• Dismantle, removal from site and disposal of existing 9-metre timber bridge.
• Supply and install a steel frame pedestrian bridge with recycled plastic decking and parapets.
• Any additional items.

4 Footpath and Culvert

• Supply and install a suitable culvert
• Excavate to a depth of 200mm and construct tarmac path approximately 86m length.
• Provide flat top concrete edging both sides along the whole length.
• Any additional items