Swindon Borough Council has published a procurement opportunity for wichelstowe community sports hub preliminary market engagement with an estimated value of £4,500,000. The submission deadline is the date stated in the official notice, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-09, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

Swindon Borough Council (SBC) invites you to contribute to preliminary market engagement in relation to delivery of the Wichelstowe Community Sports Hub and would welcome the views of suppliers on the approach to procurement. The intention is to invite supplier feedback to help shape the final specification and commercial model to ensure the tender delivers the optimum outcomes for the Council. SBC are intending to seek a contractor to design and build the first phase of the Wichelstowe Community Sports Hub. The budget for the works is fixed and is a made up of a combination of grant and S106 funding. As such the full scheme will not all be delivered in this first Phase. It is anticipated that the works will include groundworks, pavilion, car park, drainage, footpaths and an element of play. Estimated contract spend is £4.5m. The all weather football pitch will be delivered by a third party. Engagement Process Description To participate in the Preliminary Market Engagement Suppliers will need to Register as a Supplier with ProContract, www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk, then Register an Interest before obtaining access to the Preliminary Market Engagement documents. Reference DN812473 Suppliers wishing to participate in a Preliminary Market Engagement Teams meeting must contact Emma Leake at SBC via the details provided by 24th April 2026 16:00 hrs. The meeting(s) will be arranged following the closure of this period and are anticipated to take place during the weeks commencing 4th May 2026 and 11th May 2026.

Swindon Borough Council is the contracting authority. The estimated value is £4,500,000 and the deadline is the date stated in the official notice. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to construction firms, contractors, specialist tradespeople. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold trade certifications, public liability insurance, ISO 9001.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Swindon Borough Council must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in construction contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £4,500,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: trade certifications, public liability insurance, ISO 9001
• Capacity to mobilise within Swindon Borough Council’s required timeframe

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032546-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before the date stated in the official notice: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

Swindon Borough Council will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Swindon Borough Council’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Swindon Borough Council to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032546-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Swindon Borough Council or the UK government.