BaDC-1727 Retford Buttermarket Food Hall Operator Opportunity
- Buyer
- Bassetlaw District Council
- Value
- £18,000,000
- Closes
- 27 November 2026
- Where
- Worksop, the East Midlands
- Type
- Open tender
In plain English
Bassetlaw District Council wants to find an experienced operator to run an indoor street food market (food hall) in the ground floor of Retford Town Hall. The operator will manage vendors, handle all commercial operations, and help design the space. The space opens Winter 2026/Spring 2027.
What the buyer wants
• Operate and manage a ~260 square metre food hall with multiple vendor stalls • Recruit, manage and support independent food vendors and start-up businesses • Deliver strong commercial performance and footfall targets • Partner with the Council during design and construction phases before opening • Create a high-quality, diverse and affordable food offer that animates the town centre and supports evening/weekend trading
Likely requirements
Our reading of the notice. Always check the tender documents.
This is a major commercial operation with an £18 million estimated value over the lease term: most small one-person trades or micro-businesses without significant food sector experience, financial backing, or track record operating food venues will struggle to be competitive. You need proven experience running food businesses or markets.
How to bid
This is an open tender: any eligible business can respond directly to the buyer by the deadline, with no framework membership needed.
How to write a tender response
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