Cheshire East Council are seeking a new company to provide refreshments in Alderley Edge Park.
Councillor Craig Browne said "As a result of the previous concession holder choosing to hand back the contract, Cheshire East Council is now seeking expressions of interest once again.
"I do believe there is an opportunity here to develop a viable business, which would significantly add value to the offer at the Alderley Edge Park; however, a refreshment facility really needs to be available for a minimum of five days a week (including weekends), to provide a consistent service."
The Council are looking for a business with a small refreshment vehicle which can be brought on and off site easily and will need to be self-sufficient as there is no access to power, water or storage.
Jonathan of Remedy on the Park told alderleyedge.com "We changed our business model to produce cold-pressed juice to sell wholesale and retail. Relinquishing our pitch on the park was so we could focus on this.
"We were selling quality coffee and other hot drinks and food items. But the business I wanted to promote was our juicery. We scaled up production which left less time to run our Remedy On The Park vintage van from the park pitch.
"Footfall was not immense. We turned over and did ok but we could only be present for 3 days in the week with our other juicing commitments."
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said "There are no guidelines about what should be provided except, the offering should be high-quality with food and drink options for a variety of dietary requirements. Sustainability is also important to us so please provide details in your response to show us your commitment too.
"Finally, it is important that your proposal is realistic. Please take the time to work out what is achievable in a park situation. We know that park use is seasonal, and that weekends and holidays are busier times, we would expect to see that reflected in your proposal."
The contract is from 5th June 2023 to 4th June 2025, with no option to extend. The company needs to be serving refreshments in the park for a minimum of 4 hours a day between October and March and a minimum of 6 hours a day from April to September.
Councillor Craig Browne added "The Council will shortly be installing some outdoor gym equipment in the park, along with two or three accessible picnic tables around the bandstand. This new equipment and seating are likely to encourage more people to visit and use our park, as well as providing an inducement to stay and enjoy refreshments during the spring, summer and autumn seasons when the weather is typically warmer."
If you are interested in this opportunity, you need to complete the documents and return your response via email to [email protected] by 12noon Friday 12 May 2023.
Should you have any queries regarding this opportunity email Amy Smithies or call her on 07811 027150.
Comments
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Yes, maybe for able bodied people, but not so for some elderly folk, the disabled and parents with several small children.
Sadly, despite much demand, the café in the park, including toilets, was not developed. The provision of the utilities would have been borne by Birse Civils at the time of building the bypass.
A missed opportunity.