Provision of a catering offer within Parson's Close Recreation Ground

Description

The Town Council would be seeking a competent and qualified caterer to deliver a quality offering within the park. The presumption is that the menu will focus on freshly prepared meals, snacks and beverages. It is the expectation that the successful caterer will be in a position to begin trading in the Spring of 2019. The expectation is that the ice cream concession will continue to operate as a separate stand-alone business thereby giving park visitors choice between a kiosk offer and the stand alone ice cream concession. There is no reason why the kiosk couldn't sell bespoke ice cream that wouldn't normally be found in an ice cream van for example. It is anticipated that expressions of interest will be sought from catering firms, hereafter. An open day will be offered which will allow all interested parties the opportunity to visit the park and the building/kiosk itself. All parties will be required to complete and submit their tender application. The operator will be asked to propose a financial model that is considered to be appropriate for a facility such as this which provides a fair outcome for both parties. It is considered that the kiosk represents an opportunity to work in partnership with an operator recognising the investment commitment that the operator would have to make in the first instance. At their own risk, the expectation is that the successful operator would be required to invest in making the facility work for them. This would include the purchase of catering equipment as well as external seating and associated paraphernalia. In return, the Town Council would offer a 5-year agreement for example with the potential to extend for a further 12 months if it is found to be working well for both parties. If it is found that for whatever reason, the business model isn't working for either party, there will within the contract be some kind of break out option that can be implemented. As a public-facing asset, the expectations are that the facility would be maintained and run to the highest of health and safety and hygiene standards. A failure to maintain the highest of standards would compromise any agreement and the Town Council would reserve the right to curtail a business operation if it is found that standards were falling from those originally agreed.