Published date: 20 August 2025
Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.
Contract summary
Industry
Repair and maintenance services - 50000000
Land rental or sale services - 70320000
Sports facilities operation services - 92610000
Location of contract
ME12 4RP
Procurement reference
SWALE001-DN787684-88338638
Published date
20 August 2025
Closing date
16 September 2025
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
No
Description
Land at Leysdown Costal Park, Shellness Road, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, ME12 4RP known as Pitch & Putt course, Leysdown
Location
The Pitch & Putt Course is an approximate 12.4 acre parcel of land located along Shellness Road at the east end of the Isle of Sheppey. The site is adjacent to a council managed play area and open green space that forms part of Leysdown Coastal Park. Leysdown is a seasonal coastal area with beaches, a number of caravan parks and a diverse mix of residential housing. The nearby Promenade offers a mix of beachfront entertainment.
Swale Borough Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organisations and individuals to manage and maintain a 9 hole, par 3 Pitch & Putt Course under a FRI lease agreement on land at Shellness Road, Leysdown with the objectives being to secure income for Swale Borough Council and to contribute positively to the leisure offer to visitors and residents alike.
Description
The premises has not been operated for approximately 5 years and initial investment in this site will be required to secure the site and cultivate the golf course to bring up to the standard required to deliver this type of business.. There is a small building on the land that has been used as a greeting hub and storage of equipment.
The adjacent parcel of land is approximately 1700m2 is also being offered as part of the lease for customers of the Pitch & Putt for parking. This parcel of land is grassed with bollards identifying its area. The repair and maintenance liabilities would fall on the successful applicant.
Term
A minimum term of 5 years with a view to extend subject to subsequent successful operation of the facility. No security of Tenure is offered.
Maintenance & Repairing Liability
FRI
Taxes / Rates / service charges
All taxes, rates, services charges and insurance are at the tenants cost.
Legal Costs
Each party to pay own legal costs.
Statutes Notices and Orders
Tenant would be responsible to comply with every statute and any notice or order
Additional Information
The Council is keen for the site to be let and operational as soon as possible. However, the council are open to discussions with applicants, the possibility of subsequent phased improvement and change at the site including a new building or alteration of that existing and the integration of other similar recreational activities on the site alongside the main business Any such changes would be subject to all regulatory requirements e.g. planning and building consents.
Submission
In order to be considered for this opportunity, the required submission details will need to be sent to propertyservices@swale.gov.uk by Tuesday 16th September 2025, 13.00hrs. Any proposals should assume that the lease will commence within three months of offer and finalising Heads of Terms.
As a minimum, proposals should detail the following:
Cont. below
More information
Additional text
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• Details of interested party, including any relevant experience.
• Details of preferred operating times (days of week, opening hours etc)
• Details of annual rent being offered to Swale Borough Council and/or any Commercial offering e.g. profit share etc. exclusive of VAT.
• A Business Plan that demonstrates that the proposal is viable and sustainable for the duration of the lease
The following details should be included as a minimum:
• Proposed operating model
• Marketing proposals
• Evidence of ability to operate business
• Evidence of good financial standing
• Reference of x 2 (preferable by email)
• Financial projections demonstrating a strong viability, showing profit & loss forecasts and any surplus in addition to a cash-flow for at least 3 years. Plus details of how any maintenance repairs will be funded
• Details relating to managing H & S Statutory requirements
• Details of any other activities proposed to increase usage, occupation, income generation and local economic/community benefit.
• Any other information you feel is appropriate.
The information is advertised on both Swale Borough Council - Home and KentBusinessPortal Upon closure of the opportunity, the Council will evaluate responses with a view to appointing by December 2025 subject to agreeing final Heads of Terms.
The evaluation process will be as follows:
Evaluation criteria Maximum points
Operating Model 27
Rent provisions 25
Financial Forecasts and Cash-Flow Information 20
Technical and professional ability 18
Health and Safety 10
TOTAL 100
How to apply
Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.
About the buyer
Contact name
Charlotte Knowles
Address
Swale Borough Council
Swale House, East Street
Sittingbourne
ME103HT
England
Telephone
+44 1795417584
Website
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Closing date: 16 September 2025