Parcel Locker Services on Somerset Council Land

Somerset Council is undertaking preliminary market engagement to understand the market for the provision, installation, operation and maintenance of parcel lockers at suitable locations on Council-owned or controlled land, potentially including Council-operated car parks.

The Council wishes to understand:

• market capability and appetite for delivering parcel locker services across Somerset;

• the types of solutions and operating models currently available;

• the potential benefits for Somerset residents, local communities and the Council;

• the characteristics and requirements of commercially viable locations;

• potential barriers to deployment, including access, physical, planning and other regulatory considerations;

• the feasibility, benefits and commercial implications of carrier-neutral or open-access solutions capable of supporting multiple parcel and postal operators; and

• the commercial models available, including the potential level of income or other value that could be generated for the Council.

The Council's preference is to explore a model that can be delivered at no cost to the Council and with minimal administrative or operational burden, with the provider taking responsibility for the installation, operation and ongoing management of the service.

The Council is particularly interested in understanding the feasibility of solutions capable of supporting multiple parcel and postal operators. However, the Council does not wish to prescribe the solution at this stage and welcomes market feedback on the advantages, disadvantages and commercial implications of different approaches.

Information gathered through this engagement will be used to improve the Council's understanding of the market and may inform the development of any future procurement strategy and requirements.