Operating The Blackwood Miners’ Institute

What the buyer is asking for

Blackwood Miners' Institute (BMI) is a cultural landmark with a proud history. Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) is seeking to appoint an external operator to lead the artistic, cultural, community and commercial activity of this Grade II listed historic venue Following a comprehensive review of the venue's future operating model, CCBC is now commencing a formal procurement process to identify a suitably experienced organisation to manage and develop Blackwood Miners' Institute. The Council is inviting applications from organisations with proven expertise in cultural, arts, heritage, entertainment and venue management, and a strong track record of delivering sustainable and community focused operations. The successful operator will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management of the venue, ensuring the delivery of a high quality artistic and cultural programme, engaging local communities, maximising commercial opportunities and safeguarding the long term sustainability of the Institute. Through this tender opportunity, CCBC is seeking an operator that can demonstrate a clear vision for the future of Blackwood Miners' Institute, building upon its heritage and reputation while developing a vibrant, financially resilient, and inclusive cultural destination. Tenderers will be required to submit responses in accordance with the requirements set out within the procurement documentation. Submissions will be evaluated against the published criteria, including quality, financial sustainability, operational capability, and community impact. Following evaluation, CCBC intends to appoint a preferred operator and enter into a contractual agreement for the management and operation of Blackwood Miners' Institute. This opportunity represents a unique chance to shape the future of one of Wales' most significant cultural venues and to contribute to the continued cultural, social, and economic development of the local community. Full details can be found in the Initiation to Tender (ITT) Pack

How this is scored

Published by the buyer. A winning response is written to these weightings, not to the question.

• qualityQualityQuality 100%

How contested is this?

Buyers publish how many bids they received. Across 12 comparable procurements we can tell you the typical field size, how often one of these goes uncontested, and whether the buyer awards on price or on quality.

Timeline

4 published dates · Europe/London

1. Tender notice publishedyesterday

   30 Sept 2026, 15:59 BST
2. Clarification questions byin 41 days

   11 Nov 2026, 17:00 GMT
3. Submission deadlinein 48 days

   18 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
4. Award decision expected byin 74 days

   14 Dec 2026, 23:59 GMT

Commercial outcome and contract awards

Nothing awarded yet

Notice history

4 events · 4 releases on Find a Tender

1. Pipeline or early engagement notice23 Feb 2026, 16:31 GMT016228-2026
2. Notice published24 Feb 2026, 09:26 GMT016322-2026
3. Notice published26 Feb 2026, 09:50 GMT017171-2026
4. Tender notice30 Sept 2026, 15:59 BST092526-2026

Documents

• Tender notice on Find a Tender