Leach Pottery Museum Interpretation Fitout, St Ives, £375k-£400k

Published date: 21 April 2026

Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.

Watch this notice Print this notice Closing: 22 May 2026, 12pm

Contract summary

Industry

• Museum services and preservation services of historical sites and buildings - 92520000

Location of contract

TR26 2HE

Value of contract

£375,000 to £400,000

Procurement reference

Leach Pottery Museum Interpretation Fitout Contractor

Published date

21 April 2026

Closing date

22 May 2026

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

20 July 2026

Contract end date

4 June 2027

Contract type

Works

Procedure type

Open procedure (below threshold)

What is an open procedure (below threshold)? Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements below the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

Interpretation Fit-Out Build Contractor - The Leach Pottery, St Ives, Cornwall

The Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Ltd invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors to deliver interpretation/exhibition fit-out works across the Leach Pottery site in St Ives, Cornwall. This commission forms part of a major £10 million capital redevelopment of one of the world's most significant studio pottery heritage sites, funded with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Contract Value: £375,000 - £400,000 (exclusive of VAT)
Contract Form: JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor's Design (ICD) 2024

Practical Completion: 4 June 2027
Site Opening: 18 June 2027

Scope of Works:
The appointed contractor will act as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, responsible for the manufacture, supply, and installation of four main packages: setworks and 3D elements; display showcases (including Government Indemnity Scheme standard cases); graphics and 2D elements production; and exhibition lighting supply.

Works span multiple spaces, including the historic Grade II listed Pottery buildings; refurbished 2008 extensions; new build Learning studios and reception areas; outdoor spaces, and cross-site wayfinding.

Full coordination with the client (The Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Ltd), base build contractors (Dow Jones Architects), interpretive designers (Extended Studio), and the separately appointed AV contractor will be required. Audiovisual hardware and software are contracted separately and are out of scope.

Key Dates:
* Site visits (compulsory): Tuesday, 28 April - Thursday, 7 May 2026
* Clarification deadline: Noon, Monday, 11 May 2026
* Clarifications published: Friday, 15 May 2026
* Submission deadline: Noon, Friday, 22 May 2026
* Interviews (shortlisted): Wednesday, 3 June and Thursday, 4 June 2026
* Contract award: Monday, 8 June 2026
* Online kick-off meeting Friday, 12 June 2026
* Contract commencement: Monday, 20 July 2026
* On-site installation: Monday, 22 March - Monday, 31 May 2027
* Practical Completion: Friday, 4 June 2027

Submission Requirements:
Bidders must submit:
* Completed Form of Tender;
* Completed Submission Questionnaire;
* Fully completed Pricing Schedule;
* Proposed programme of works
* A tender proposal addressing five quality questions as specified in the ITT
* Required policies, evidence of insurance and certification as specified in the ITT

All bidders must complete a compulsory site visit before submitting. Submit to Sara Matson at projectlead@leachpottery.com by noon on Friday, 22 May 2026.

Evaluation: Quality 65% / Price 35%

More information

Attachments

• The Leach Pottery Fit-Out Contractor ITT Final .pdf
• Tender notice

• Interpretation Fitout Contractor Invitation To Tender

• Appendix 8a. Fit-Out Contractor Form of Tender.docx

• Bid submission documents

• Form of Tender Appendix 8a (for completion and submission)

• Appendix 8b. Fit-Out Contractor Submission Questionnaire.docx

• Bid submission documents

• Submission Questionnaire Appendix 8b (for completion and submission)

• Appendix 8c. Pricing Schedule.xlsx

• Bid submission documents

• Pricing Schedule Appendix 8c (for completion and submission)
  Failure to fully complete all sections will compromise your bid
  Links

• https://www.dropbox.com/t/kJ2iuvt0E6aU0zFI

• Bidding documents

• Appendices 1-8

THE PROJECT
1. Exhibition Fit Out Specification
2. Technical Design Documentation and Schedules FILE
3. Contractor's Design Portion
4a. Phase 01 - GA Plans, Elevations + Visualisations
4b. Phase 02 - GA Plans, Elevations + Visualisations
4c. Net Internal Area Schedule
5. Fit-Out Contractor NBS Preliminaries and General Conditions
6. Pre-Contract Information Pack

FURTHER INFO
7a. Environmental & Sustainability Policy 2021
7b. Dignity and Respect Policy 2025
7c. Conservation Management Plan 2024
7d. Phase 2 Heritage and Repair Statement
7e. Phase 2 Design and Access Statement
7f. Government Indemnity Scheme Guidelines 2016
7g. Manual Handling Guidelines 2016
7h. Collections Management Plan 2025
7i. Health and Safety Policy 2025
7j. Health and Safety Statement 2025

FORMS TO SUBMIT with Tender return
8a. Fit-Out Contractor Form of Tender
8b. Fit-Out Contractor Submission Questionnaire
8c. Pricing Schedule
Additional text

The Leach Pottery Interpretation Fit-out and cross-site wayfinding is the culmination of a 2-phase capital programme generously supported by:

St Ives Town Deal (Central Government / Cornwall Council)
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Arts Council England
Wolfson Foundation
Clore Duffield Foundation
The Headley Trust

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Contact name

Sara Matson

Address

LEACH POTTERY
Higher Stennack
ST. IVES
TR262HE
England

Email

projectlead@leachpottery.com

Website

www.leachpottery.com

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Watch this notice Print this notice Closing: 22 May 2026, 12pm