Public Conveniences

Swale Borough Council are currently reviewing options for public convenience service provision post March 2026 when the current service contracts expire. We currently have 16 public conveniences. Part of this review has included a consultation on facilities and the future of some of these public conveniences. To assist with the development of the future contractual opportunity we are seeking views from potentially interested parties to help shape the specification.

1) Currently, the hygiene services contract provides and maintains baby changing units, hand driers and sanitation bins for all public facilities and for three local authority office buildings. This contract is separate to the opening, cleansing and minor maintenance of public conveniences contract. Should the two areas of work be combined under one specification, or should they be kept as separate lots for bidding purposes?

2) It is expected that a core of public conveniences will continue to remain open for the public to use. However, there will likely be a small number that may be closed or transferred in ownership to other organisations such as town or parish councils. If the transfer process extends past the start date of the new contract, these establishments will still need to be opened, cleansed and maintained for a period of time until the successful transfer can take place. For these few establishments we would appreciate your comments on these points:

Currently, we are considering an option to offer these facilities as a separate Lot on a shorter term (with extensions). How should we ask for them to be priced if the intention is for them to change ownership most likely within year 1 (monthly, six monthly etc)?

It is possible that different establishments get transferred at different times (or maybe not at all). How should this be considered in the contract with regards to removing facilities and will that impact pricing for the remaining facilities?

3) Would any bidders suggest we advertise the opportunity in any other way other than all establishments under one specification e.g should we advertise some facilities (or groups of facilities) as individual lots?

4) How much notice will bidders need prior to taking a decision to close/ transfer one of the facilities identified in question 2?

5) Most of our facilities have no permanent attendants. A few facilities where there is high footfall or a possible elevated risk of damage have partial attendance ranging from 3 – 6 hours a day. What are bidders views on this? Does this seem reasonable or would an alternative model be preferred? What model would offer best value for money? Should there be an option for a variant bid from prospective service providers?

6) How would bidders satisfy mass openings at the same time without the provision of attendants at some venues?

7) Is there anything else we should be considering or amendments/ models that may enhance the service but still offer the very best value for residents?

8) Any other comments or considerations?

For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:

https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Sittingbourne:-Public-conveniences./XZX7ZE5E6U

To respond to this opportunity, please click here:

https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/XZX7ZE5E6U