Tender: Operator for Retford Buttermarket Indoor Street Food Market at Retford Town Hall

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Bassetlaw District Council is seeking a supplier to occupy and operate an indoor street food market within the Retford Town Hall Buttermarket, responsible for all aspects of delivery, vendor management and commercial performance and offered the right to trade from the premises plus the opportunity to influence the final design and fit-out. The Council’s objectives are to animate and activate Retford town centre, support independent and start-up food businesses, provide a high-quality, diverse and affordable food offer, increase footfall and dwell time, support the evening and weekend economy and deliver social and economic value for the local area. The Buttermarket is the ground-floor space of Retford Town Hall with independent access via Town Hall Yard and direct access to Market Square, offering approximately 260m2 and intended for commercial operation from Winter 2026/Spring 2027 subject to detailed design agreement and construction programme; the successful provider is expected to join as a partner through the design process. A recent CACI market summary cites a total catchment market potential of £122.1 million with a 16% catchment market share and a catering market potential of £30.1 million, while annual household spend on catering is £2,060 (5% below the East Midlands average) and spend on alcohol on premises is 10% below the regional average. The Council would optimally seek a 5-year lease with a break clause at Year 3 and the opportunity to extend a further 5 years at year 5 (3+2+5 year agreement). Procurement will follow a competitive flexible procedure with initial tenders scored on price and quality as outlined in the tender documents, up to the top three bidders invited to a presentation stage scored out of 100, and a final tender score calculated with price and quality from the previous round comprising 90% and the presentation 10%.