24 Nov 2023

November 2023 

An invitation for tenders for a Site Development Plan for our Ballycastle Centre

November 2023

An invitation for tenders for a Site Development Plan for our Ballycastle Centre

The Corrymeela Community is inviting tenders for a plan to develop our Ballycastle Centre so we are better able to outwork our mission of nurturing respectful relationships so we can all live well together. In doing so we are committed to developing our Centre’s infrastructure in an ecological, financially sustainable and trauma informed way.

Introduction

Corrymeela’s vision is that by 2025, we will have contributed towards a more cohesive and hope–filled society by welcoming thousands of people into courageous conversations, which deepen our respect for each other so we can live well together. 

One of the key ways we deliver this vision is by welcoming thousands of people every year to our Ballycastle Centre and supporting them to take steps towards repairing relationships, nurturing cohesive leadership and building a movement of change.

Our Ballycastle Centre is a beautiful 100 bed residential Centre, set on a stunning site just outside Ballycastle. The Centre has been Corrymeela’s spiritual and physical home over the last 55 years, where hundreds of thousands of people have been welcomed and supported to explore difference together. Every year we welcome around 5,000 people from different communities to our Centre, providing accommodation, food, group spaces and programmes to support groups to explore difference together.

Our Ballycastle Centre site is on the North Coast about 1½ miles to the East of Ballycastle town. It consists of:

·        3 x Residential units with approximately 120 beds built between 1998 and 2010.

·        2 x Semi–detached bungalows (4 bed and 3 bed)

·        3 x Recreational units – timber frame with plastic cladding

·        1 x Worship space (The Croi)

You can find more details of our work on our website: www.corrymeela.org and explore our location on this satellite view.

We can supply architectural drawings for our buildings and site in printed form

Our requirements

We are looking for a suitably qualified Consultant or Company to provide an overall plan to optimise our Centre to best support the delivery of our mission in the short, medium and longer term. In doing so, it is expected that the successful consultant or company will:   

·        Root their plan on a deep understanding of our strategy, business plan and practice, with input from key stakeholders including staff, guests and community members

·        Complete an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of our current buildings and outdoor spaces, structurally and in relation to their missional and commercial usefulness.

·        Outline a range of proposals to develop our Centre, including indicative costings and timelines: This will include:

o   Proposals to improve our buildings, outdoor spaces and infrastructure, including outline plans to install en–suite bathrooms in our main house and build an additional large multi–functional room on site.

o   Integrate agreed findings from our recent Energy Action plan to enable our Centre to become as sustainable as possible 

·        Provide final proposals and outline drawings in pdf and dwg formats which can be used for funding applications

Evaluation Criteria

As a minimum all bidders will

·        Have visited our Ballycastle Centre to scope the project and tune into our story and mission.

·        Be able to demonstrate a proven track record in designing buildings in an environmentally sustainable way

Having met the entry level criteria, we would invite consultants or agencies to provide tenders for this project of not more than 2,000 words. Bids will be evaluated using the following criteria and associated weightings:

·        Skills, experience and track record in providing site development plans. Please include details of at least 2 referees (33.3%)

·        Methodology and approach (33.3%)

·        Value for money (33.3%)

Timeline

The procurement timeline will be as follows:

·        9am on 15th January 2024 – Deadline for tenders to be submitted

·        22nd January 2024 – Following a tender evaluation process a Company or Consultant will be appointed

·        15th March 2024– Assessment and a draft plan is produced by the Company or Consultant and shared with Corrymeela’s Leadership team and Board for feedback

·        17th May 2024 – The plan is finalised and presented to Corrymeela’s Leadership team and Board.

Submission of tenders

Please submit completed tenders by email to richardnaylor@corrymeela.org before 9.00am on 15th January 2024 with the subject heading of “Ballycastle Centre Site Development plan”.  Bidders will be advised of the outcome within 1 week of the closing date.

Contact Details

If you require additional information or clarification please contact Richard Naylor, by email richardnaylor@corrymeela.org.

This Site Development Plan is generously funded by The Dormant Accounts Fund NI