Proposal for Christmas Village Procurement

Councillors are being asked to approveaproposal for procurement to go ahead to deliver aChristmas Village in Dundee city centre for this year's festiveseason.

A report details how a tender would be offered for a maximum of £180,000. This would be partly funded by investment approved as part of the recent budget processto create economic opportunities through increasing footfall and visitors to the city centre.

Councillors on the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee will hear that the village would operatefora minimum offour weeks.

Commitee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: "We have been reflecting on Christmas 2023 and are determined to provide a compelling experience that attractsvisitors and locals alike tothe city centre for this year.

"Additional investment agreed through the council's budget will help to fund a tender exercise, which, if agreed, will focus on bringing in a professional event company who can provide the best possible family activities for our city centre.

"The council is working hard to transform the centre of Dundee and we are well aware thatChristmas is an extremely important timefor our retail sector.

"While the Dundee Hooley has become established as a successful kick-start to the festive season, the proposed Christmas Village will add to the Christmas experience andattract families, visitorsand shoppers into the centre for a sustained period."

Councillors are being asked for approval for the council toprogress with an appropriate complianttender through Public Contracts Scotland. The committee will be told that market research will inform the specification of requirements and to gauge interest.

Bidders would go through a selection process to assess capability to deliver the requirements of the contract, while the tender would be awarded on the basis ofa quality and cost assessment.

The committee will hear that the tender would be for an initialperiod of one year but will include scope to renew this annually for a maximum of two additionalyears. Any renewal will be subject to budget availability and contractor performance.

The Fair Work, Economic Growthand Infrastructure Commitee meets onMonday April 22.