Liskeard Christmas Lights

Liskeard Town Council is seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to provide a Christmas Lighting Display in Liskeard Town Centre for three years (2026, 2027 & 2028). The scheme of work involves design, supply, installation, maintenance, removal and storage of leased Christmas lights and decorations annually. The Council is looking for new designs and ideas, possibly with a Cornish theme, and is interested in eco-friendly displays, e.g. energy efficient LEDs, solar options, etc.

1. Background

Liskeard is an old market town located in South East Cornwall with a population of approx. 10,000, which also services a large hinterland of local villages of a further approx. 30,000 people. The town centre is all located within a conservation area. Several of the buildings are Grade II listed or slate hung and there are limited heights.

2. Tender Requirements

Tenderers are invited to use their experience and their product ranges and design knowledge to present a scheme for Liskeard that enhances the town centre during the festive period.

The scheme should create a focal point on The Parade/Barras Street where the town Christmas tree will be located, together with the entry points to the town, Windsor Place, Dean Street, Greenbank Road, Pike Street and Baytree Hill. The pedestrianised shopping area in Fore Street should also be included (see photographs in Appendix B).

Key points:

• Your proposal should demonstrate that you have taken into consideration the geography of the town and its limitations.

• Consideration should also be given to the possible use of existing infrastructure (eye bolts and wall brackets), their suitability, undertaking load testing and any new or replacement fittings which may be required.

• You will be expected to apply to Cornwall Council for any road closures that may be required to undertake the works along with any closure management required.

• Full insurance cover will need to be provided for installation, including operatives, duration of installation season and the taking down of the lights.

• Risk Assessments and Method Statements will be required covering all elements of your works.

• Electrical testing and certification will be required.

• All lights must comply with the appropriate UK and European standards and be annually tested and certified with all repairs necessary included in the contract price.

• You will need to submit to Cornwall Council an Application to Hang Seasonal Lighting over the Highway (In accordance with s178 of the Highways Act 1980)

• You need to provide all access equipment.

• You will need to provide ongoing maintenance and repair during the course of the Christmas period. Any faults must be rectified within 48 hours unless evidence is provided of the need for an appropriate extension. The successful contractor must offer an emergency repair service in the event of a health and safety issue with the Christmas lights.

• The quotation needs to include removal from site, storage and testing in readiness for the following season.

• The lights should be illuminated 24/7 from mid-November, with the Christmas tree to be switched on as part of a 'Lights Up' event in the town on Saturday 28 November 2026 (the contractor is not required to attend this).

• You may be asked to undertake a detailed presentation at a meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday 26 May at 7.30pm.

The essential streets to be decorated are:

• The Parade / Barras Street - including Christmas tree

• The start of Greenbank Road

• Pike Street

• Market Street

• Fore Street

• Bay Tree Hill

• Windsor Place

• Dean Street - as it meets the town centre

Other desirable elements:

• Walkways from carparks

• In previous years, small Christmas trees have been mounted on some shops by volunteers, and we are now looking for an innovative alternative.

Quotations should be broken down into individual streets as listed above with prices being specified against each line.

A call out charge or hourly rate for call outs should be specified, along with any additional costs which may be incurred that are not included in the contract.

The Christmas tree can be included as part of your tender as either a full, supply, installation and dressing, or for the dressing of the tree with decorations only working with another contractor for supply and installation.

A set of drawings/mock ups of the proposed lighting designs should be included.

The dates for the lights to be erected, turned on and removed must be agreed with the Council on an annual basis.

Details of existing infrastructure and unmetered power supplies can be found in appendix C.

3. Site Visits

A site visit is highly recommended, for prospective contractors to familiarise themselves with the locations, requirements, and any working restrictions. A Council representative is available to meet contractors at a mutually agreeable time by arrangement with the Yvette Hayward, RFO & Deputy Town Clerk office@liskeard.gov.uk or 01579 559 561.

Tenderers shall be deemed to have visited the site and to have satisfied themselves as to the nature of any operational limitations of the site that affect execution of works.

4. Tender Clarifications

Any queries or correspondence relating to this document should be directed to Yvette Hayward, RFO & Deputy Town Clerk office@liskeard.gov.uk or 01579 559 561.

Any question or request for clarification considered to be of material significance, will be published with the response, in an anonymous format, on the Council website 'Tenders' page Tenders - Liskeard Council

5. Contract Price

Pricing must be a fixed price and be fully inclusive of all overheads, general risks, liabilities and obligations.

All items are to be individually priced expressed to two decimal places.

Tenders should note that due to financial constraints it may be necessary to reduce or remove elements of the proposed works. Any such adjustments shall be notified to the tenderers prior to the award of contract.

Your organisation must bear all costs associated with the bidding process itself, including any site visits, and attendance at clarification meetings.

All pricings should be exclusive of VAT.

Quotations should remain open for an initial acceptance for a minimum of 60 calendar days. All pricing is to remain fixed for the duration of the contract unless otherwise agreed.

A maximum of £60,000 is assigned to this tender for the three-year contract.