Stowmarket Recreation Ground Play Area Development

Stowmarket Town Council invites tenders for the design, supply, and installation of a new 40m x 40m play area at Stowmarket Recreation Ground. The play area will be enclosed by secure metal fencing, square in shape but with graded, sweeping rounded corners. Safety surfacing will cover at least 75% of the total play area to ensure accessibility and compliance with all relevant safety standards, allowing for year-round use. The play space should be suitable for children aged 0-12 years. The appointed contractor will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of the following: Play equipment suitable for children aged 0-12 years and will specifically include swinging, bouncing, climbing, and sliding activities. A central focal play structure which serves as a landmark attraction. Safety surfacing compliant with BS EN 1177 or the applicable standard at the time of installation. Secure 1.0-metre-high play-spec Bow Top metal fencing, galvanised and powder-coated black, with two gated entrances. This includes two pedestrian self-closing gates (1.0m high x 1.0m wide) complete with a closing device and powder-coated black box-section gate posts. Seating, including a minimum of six benches on the inner outskirts of the play area, with additional seating integrated within and around the play equipment. Utilise a black, white, red, and green colour palette, along with additional design elements to enhance and reinforce the theme. The preferred safety surfacing colours are black and green to manage colour degradation in future years. Signage to indicate it is the Poppy Play Area with the design to include red and white poppies. Inclusive and Accessible Design The play area must cater for children of all abilities. The site should be divided into zones for younger children 0-3 years (Infants and toddlers), 4-7 years (Early childhood) and 8-12 years (Older children). The design should include accessible equipment that provides inclusive play opportunities, ensuring children of all abilities, including those with and without disabilities, can play together. All elements of the scheme must meaningfully contribute to the following core play activities: Swinging, Climbing, Sliding, Bouncing Preparation and Groundworks Contractors must ensure proper site preparation, including: Levelling and preparation of the ground. Installation of appropriate drainage systems. Identification and protection of underground services Integration of works with separate works required for security and lighting at the Recreation Ground. Technical Requirements & Standards All play equipment and surfacing must comply with BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards (or the applicable standard at the time of installation.) The design must adhere to Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) guidelines for accessibility. Contractors must demonstrate an approach to environmental sustainability, including: Use of sustainable materials. Eco-friendly manufacturing and transport. Ethical waste disposal practices. Safety surfacing shall be fully compliant with current British safety standards. Whilst there is no preferred finish, loose-fill surfacing will not be accepted and details of the preparation of the sub-base should be included within the tender. All new surfacing must be installed on a properly prepared sub-base, not directly onto soil. Site Visits Contractors can arrange a site visit on the 23rd, 24th, or 25th of April 2025 at their own expense. Alternatively, another date can be arranged by prior agreement. The visit allows contractors to assess access, measurements, and surrounding conditions. To book a site visit, call 01449 612060 or email info@stowmarket.org. Only contractors who have conducted a site visit will be eligible to submit a tender. Project Name: Stowmarket Recreation Ground Play Area Development. Location: Stowmarket Recreation Ground, Recreation Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1PR. (What3words: indulges.rather.annual) Budget: £350,000 - £370,000 plus VAT Project Lead: Karl Daniels, Head of Community Services, Stowmarket Town Council. karld@stowmarket.org Construction Timeline: Winter 2025 - Spring 2026 (preferred from mid-November 2025 with completion March 2026)