Leach Pottery Museum Interpretation Fitout Contractor

Description

Interpretation Fit-Out Build Contractor - The Leach Pottery, St Ives, Cornwall

The Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Ltd invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors to deliver interpretation/exhibition fit-out works across the Leach Pottery site in St Ives, Cornwall. This commission forms part of a major £10 million capital redevelopment of one of the world's most significant studio pottery heritage sites, funded with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Contract Value: £375,000 - £400,000 (exclusive of VAT)

Contract Form: JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor's Design (ICD) 2024

Practical Completion: 4 June 2027

Site Opening: 18 June 2027

Scope of Works:

The appointed contractor will act as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, responsible for the manufacture, supply, and installation of four main packages: setworks and 3D elements; display showcases (including Government Indemnity Scheme standard cases); graphics and 2D elements production; and exhibition lighting supply.

Works span multiple spaces, including the historic Grade II listed Pottery buildings; refurbished 2008 extensions; new build Learning studios and reception areas; outdoor spaces, and cross-site wayfinding.

Full coordination with the client (The Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Ltd), base build contractors (Dow Jones Architects), interpretive designers (Extended Studio), and the separately appointed AV contractor will be required. Audiovisual hardware and software are contracted separately and are out of scope.

Key Dates as per ITT document:

* Site visits (compulsory): Tuesday, 28 April - Thursday, 28 May 2026

* Clarification deadline: Noon, Friday, 29 May 2026

* Clarifications published: Monday 1 June 2026

* Submission deadline: Noon, Friday, 12 June 2026

* Evaluation: w/c Monday 15 June 2026

* Interviews (shortlisted): Friday, 26 June and Monday, 29 June 2026

* Contract award (notification): Tuesday, 30 June 2026

* Online kick-off meeting Monday, 13 July 2026

* Contract commencement: Monday, 27 July 2026

* On-site installation: Monday, 22 March - Monday, 31 May 2027

* Practical Completion: Friday, 4 June 2027

Submission Requirements:

Bidders must submit:

* Completed Form of Tender;

* Completed Submission Questionnaire;

* Fully completed Pricing Schedule;

* Proposed programme of works

* A tender proposal addressing five quality questions as specified in the ITT

* Required policies, evidence of insurance and certification as specified in the ITT

All bidders must complete a compulsory site visit before submitting. Submit to Sara Matson at projectlead@leachpottery.com by noon on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Evaluation: Quality 65% / Price 35%

Additional information: The Leach Pottery Interpretation Fit-out and cross-site wayfinding is the culmination of a 2-phase capital programme generously supported by:

St Ives Town Deal (Central Government / Cornwall Council)

National Lottery Heritage Fund

Arts Council England

Wolfson Foundation

Clore Duffield Foundation

The Headley Trust