'Nature's Back in Town' Project - Design Feasibility

Description

INTRODUCTION:Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is seeking to appoint the services of a consultant or consultancy company, to carry out a feasibility study for the design of green infrastructure features in the Port Talbot area.The aim of this phase of the project is to look at innovative ways to restore nature back into our town so as to provide economic, ecological and physical benefits to people and our local wildlife. We are looking for designs which could provide some innovative ideas to use nature-based solutions as a means of reducing air pollution, managing surface water run-offs, increasing biodiversity and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of Port Talbot residents.BACKGROUND INFORMATION:Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council have been awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage fund to deliver the grant scheme ‘Nature Towns and Cities’. Our Project, named ‘Natures Back in Town’, focuses on Port Talbot and intends to engage with both the local community, businesses, groups, internal council departments and public services to raise awareness, answer surveys and gain an understanding of key issues, needs and wants from the people who live and work in Port Talbot.Port Talbot is an area of NPT, which is heavily urbanised. The area is dominated by industry, road infrastructure and tightly packed terraced streets leaving little space for nature or greenspace. With little natural/green habitats, the effects of severe air pollution, intense urban heat island effect and surface water flooding are exacerbated.Thanks to the Nature Towns and Cities Grant Initiative and as part of the project, we are seeking a contractor/consultant to complete two feasibility designs that incorporate both nature and people as well as deliver multiple outcomes, transforming ‘grey’ spaces into nature friendly community areas.Locations to be confirmed.Total value of the grant funded project is £25,000PROJECT TIMESCALE:The Council are looking for a suitable contractor to complete the works, as detailed below, within an anticipated timescale of 30th April 2026.CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS:It is the expectation of the chosen consultant to assess two sites in the Port Talbot area for their suitability for retrofitting nature-based solutions in the urban landscape (undertaken via site visit). The concept designs are to improve the look and feel of these urban sites by transforming them into multifunctional spaces that provide habitats for wildlife, retrofitting new aspects to the spaces which benefit both community and nature.The consultant will complete a programme of work made up of the following elements:- Working closely with the Urban Nature Project and Biodiversity Teams, the consultant will visit the final agreed sites to undertake an ‘on the ground’ review of the current situation.- Assess the sites for their suitability with a view of fulfilling multiple functions such as ‘greening’ for mental health and wellbeing, but also contributing to reducing air pollution, urban heat island effects and water run-off- Meeting with Urban Nature team to discuss concepts and agree options.- Deliver two design concepts for Urban Nature and Community- Designs must comply with local planning and environmental regulations.- Use native and climate-resilient plant species, or agreed species with the Urban Nature team- Prioritise multifunctional green infrastructure (e.g., rain gardens, green roofs, living walls, permeable paving).- Include features that support urban wildlife (e.g., bird boxes, insect hotels, hedgehog highways).- Consider accessibility for all users, including those with limited mobility.- Incorporate opportunities for community artwork and contributions from local artists as part of the design, enhancing local identity and ownership.- Promote easier maintenance and sustainable landscaping solutions.- Integrate educational or interpretive elements where appropriate (e.g., signage, interactive features).- Assess community connection to the space and connection to surrounding areas.- Meet with the Urban Nature team to gather information on community wants and requirements and, through attendance of two events to assess the concept with community feedback before final design.Knowledge and/ or experience in the field of Green Infrastructure/ urban nature-based solutions and delivery of a similar project are essential.To receive the 'Request for Quotation' documentation please contact Marie Fowler at m.fowler@npt.gov.uk, closing date for quotations is 14:00 on 01/12/2025. (WA Ref:157478)