IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE YOUNGER CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA AT WHITAKER PARK

Description

1.1	Rossendale Borough Council have secured funding to improve the younger children's play area at Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall.
1.2	Rossendale Borough Council have secured £90,000 for the project and this is exclusive of VAT. Bids exceeding this amount will be disqualified.
1.3	Improvements in the park are currently being guided by a park masterplan. The masterplan has been formed through extensive community consultation and partnership working and therefore reflects the wants and needs of the local community and park users. The younger children's play area is part of the first phase of improvements.
1.4	The site for the improvement works is the current children's play area, which is located towards the North of Whitaker Park, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 6RE. There is a small car park off Haslingden Old Road, BB4 8RS, which has easier access to the play area. The space is approximately 900m² in area, as highlighted on the map below
Some clearance of vegetation may be required before the works take place and should be accounted for in the contractor's pricing.
Coordinates for the site are: 53.702529, -2.297426
1.5	The play area layout and a brief description of improvements are shown below. A minimum of three new items of play equipment are required for the space, in addition to the space net and accessible roundabout. The supplier is free to choose three or more play items within the constraints of the budget and the criteria in section 1.6.
Photos of the play area are provided in the supporting document ITT6: Schedule 6.
1)	Gates and fencing near gates realigned/repaired/repainted as necessary.
2)	Removal/disposal of existing bin - 2 x new bins installed, one at each entrance, on concrete pads outside of the play area. Bins to be provided by RBC.
3)	New sign - the contractor will be required to design, supply and install signage for the junior play area. This should include welcome users and note any H & S information relevant to the area. The Council will provide the logo and any other graphics to be included within the design.
4)	Removal/disposal of existing space net - Install a new space net of similar volume/area.
5)	Clean, prime and repaint the basket swing frame using a paint suitable for use in play areas. Please state the exact primer and paint to be used on all repainted equipment in the BoQ. Colour to be confirmed on award of contract.
6)	Clean, prime and repaint the axial see-saw.
7)	Topsoil and turf above the play tunnel and also level entrances to the tunnel as required.
8)	Remove/dispose of space chair - install at least 1 new item of play equipment in this location
9)	Replace surfacing with bonded rubber mulch in green to match the Junior play area
10)	Remove equipment digger and unit (RBC to retain) - infill sand pit to bring up levels and install at least 1 new item of play equipment. This should provide either an interactive or challenging play option
11)	Install 2 x picnic benches in green with wheelchair access on concrete bases
12)	Remove timber sleeper fascia - build a new retaining wall with barriers where necessary in a robust and durable material.
13)	Clean, prime and repaint the multi-play unit
14)	Remove/dispose of pedal roundabout - Install new accessible roundabout in this location
15)	Clean, prime and repaint the swing set
16)	Clean, prime and repaint the swing set
17)	Clean, prime and repaint benches
18)	Collect and install the double dolphin springy. RBC have previously purchased the springy unit, which is in storage at Henrietta St depot in Bacup.
1.6	The play area should;
•	Cater for all abilities within the age range 2 - 10.
•	Cater for the wants and needs of girls.
•	Be constructed using durable materials.
•	Consider the potential for anti-social behaviour, including arson.
•	Maximise the available space and be mindful of the adjacent existing uses (8+ play area, football pitch and MUGA) and proposed features in the park masterplan (attached).
•	The final completed project will be subject to a thorough ROSPA playground inspection organised by the successful contractor. Any high-risk issues raised, over and above those expected in such a facility, should be dealt with and rectified by the contractor.
•	The contractor should provide arrangements for a weekend opening event upon completion, which RBC will assist with and be present at.
1.7	The Bill of Quantities should itemise all site set-up and preliminary costs, design time, all materials required, labour for construction, earthworks and any other associated costs. It must also include the costs of making good any areas of ground disturbed by the works and an amount to cover contingencies.
1.8	The specification and warranty details of each new item of equipment or feature should be included within the tender. This should encompass a layout plan and any relevant construction drawings.
1.9	The information provided should include a layout plan for a proposed compound/storage and working area, including details on how this will minimise disturbance and ensure the safety of park users and workers.
1.10	All new equipment and all materials connected to the successful delivery of the play area (excepting the dolphin unit until the contractor first handles it) will remain the responsibility of the successful contractor until handover.
1.11	The information provided should include a realistic project timeframe. This will include proposed dates for a pre-start meeting, site set up, start of work, any on-site milestones and completion/handover. The tender will be favourably judged if practical completion is expected to occur before Friday, 13th March 2026.
1.12	The information provided should include a project management structure, main point of contact and the position, skills, knowledge and experience of the operatives involved in delivering the contract. This may also include the tools, machines and equipment that will be used to undertake the works.
1.13	The Tender should include risk assessments and methodology statements about the site and the specific tasks required for the project.
1.14	The Tender should include details of the social, economic and environmental value that will be realised delivering this project. The Tender will be judged favourably if the value is gained in Rawtenstall and the wider Rossendale Valley.