South Cambridgeshire District Council - Catering Provider to Provide a Café Facility

Description

Soft Market Testing – A Catering Provider to provide a Café Facility. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) is poised to initiate a procurement process aimed at identifying a proficient catering provider capable of delivering comprehensive café services at the South Cambridgeshire Hall, located within the Cambourne Business Park at Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, CB23 6EA. This endeavour is preceded by a soft market testing phase to assess the practicality of reinstating the café facility. The SCDC's in-house café, which ceased operations amid the pandemic, is now under consideration for reopening, reflecting a broader trend of workplaces adapting to post-pandemic realities. The key factors influencing this decision include the availability of our existing fully equipped kitchen and an adjoining dining area within the South Cambridgeshire Hall. The prospective catering service is expected to be self-sustaining, with the onus of operational costs resting solely on the catering firm with no contribution from SCDC. Moreover, SCDC would like to understand the potential to generate revenue by leasing the catering facility. The envisaged service extends beyond the provision of vending machine offerings (but could also include vending solutions), with SCDC exploring the viability of a more diverse menu that includes hot meals, alongside a selection of teas, coffees, and baked goods. This initiative aligns with a growing consumer preference for varied and freshly prepared food options within workplace environments. The target demographic for the café service comprises the building's occupants and visitors, whose preferences and needs will be pivotal in shaping the service's offerings. As well as the staff, elected members and visitors from other organisations could also use the facilities. SCDC also shares its offices with NHS staff, Home Improvement Agency and Trading standards staff. A small business hub area is about to be introduced too increasing the number of potential users. Estimated visitors each day: 25 Estimated NHS staff each day: 22 Estimated Trading Standards Staff each day: 3 Estimated SCDC Staff per day: 100 Total: 150 To express an interest please can you email: lee.jones@scambs.gov.uk by no later than 03/05/2024 Keywords: Catering