RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Study - Galeri 3

Tender description

Galeri Caernarfon Cyf invites suitably qualified and experienced multidisciplinary teams to tender for the delivery of a RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Study to inform the future redevelopment of its flagship arts centre, herein referred to as Galeri 3. Galeri Caernarfon Cyf is a not-for-profit social enterprise and one of North Wales’ leading cultural organisations. Rooted in the community of Caernarfon, Galeri operates with a clear social, cultural and economic mission: to support the Welsh language, enable creative expression, and contribute to a sustainable local economy. The organisation delivers a high-volume, year-round programme spanning live performance, cinema, participatory activity and commercial hospitality. It plays a vital role as: • A major regional employer (within the top 1.5% in Gwynedd by workforce size) • A creative hub for artists, freelancers and cultural practitioners • A community anchor, providing inclusive space for social interaction, learning and engagement • A driver of the local economy, attracting visitors and supporting town centre vibrancy As a social enterprise, all income generated through Galeri’s commercial activity— including its café, events and ticketed programme—is reinvested directly into its artistic, community and cultural offer. This blended model of cultural and commercial activity is central to its sustainability and impact. As the building approaches its twentieth year, Galeri is seeking to reimagine its physical infrastructure to better support this role—ensuring that the organisation can continue to grow as a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking arts centre, aligned with its long term strategic, environmental and commercial ambitions. Background and Context Galeri has recently completed a comprehensive programme of baseline assessments, including: • Economic Impact Assessment • Building Condition Survey • Carbon Usage Report These inform a new Corporate Plan (2026–2030), which establishes the following core organisational values: 1. Galeri Innovates Creative, modern and dynamic – venturing with new ideas and moving forward confidently. 2. Galeri Welcomes Inclusive and friendly – rooted in Wales and fostering a sense of belonging. 3. Galeri Respects Upholding the old traditions and celebrating the new – operating with dedication and care, and being a fair and honest employer. 4. Galeri Excels Ambitious and high-quality – building on sustainable practices for the long term. Galeri plays a significant regional role, ranked within the top 1.5% of employers in Gwynedd, with strong and growing commercial income. However, the building now presents significant challenges, including: • High carbon usage • Ageing infrastructure • Operational inefficiencies • Constraints on growth Project Aim To undertake a RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Study that establishes a clear, ambitious and deliverable vision for the future development of Galeri 3. The study must translate Galeri’s corporate vision into a practical spatial, technical and commercial strategy, forming the foundation for future capital investment. Objectives The appointed team will: Assess the fitness for purpose of the existing building. Explore redevelopment, reconfiguration or extension options. Identify opportunities to: • Improve operational efficiency • Increase income-generation potential • Enhance audience and user experience • Reduce carbon impact Develop a clear strategic direction for the next stages (RIBA 2+) Scope of Services The scope includes, but is not limited to: Strategic Review Review and baseline understanding The team should review all existing information and establish a clear starting point, including: • Building condition and fabric • Energy/carbon data • Existing layouts and operational constraints • Business model, programme, audience and commercial activity • Strategic aims from the Corporate Plan Stakeholder and user engagement The appointed team will be expected to undertake a structured programme of stakeholder and user engagement to ensure that the feasibility study is informed by operational experience, organisational priorities and the needs of key users. This should help establish a clear understanding of how the building currently functions, where constraints or opportunities exist, and what requirements should shape future development options. • Engagement with Galeri leadership, staff and board • User / stakeholder consultation where relevant • Testing how spaces currently work and where the issues are • Confirming operational requirements for future use Options Development Develop high-level spatial and architectural options - develop feasible options for refurbishment, reconfiguration, extension or partial redevelopment. Test multiple scenarios (e.g. refurbishment vs redevelopment). Consider phasing and operational continuity. Technical Considerations Building fabric and services implications Accessibility and inclusive design Fire, statutory and planning considerations Sustainability, decarbonisation and environmental performance Practical constraints of the existing site/building Assessment of temporary performance accommodation requirements to maintain operational continuity during the construction period. Commercial and Operational Analysis Opportunities for increased revenue generation Improved use of space Integration of hospitality, performance and community uses Cost and Deliverability High-level capital cost estimates. Programme timeline and phasing. Consideration of Galeri’s internal capacity to deliver future stages of the project, including governance, staffing and client-side support requirements that the team should consider for following stages. Key risks and constraints Reporting Production of a RIBA Stage 1 Report, including: • Strategic recommendations • Preferred option(s) • Concept diagrams and layouts • Indicative costings • Delivery roadmap Design Principles The study must demonstrably align with Galeri’s values. Deliverables The appointed team will provide: • RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Report (PDF + editable formats) • Concept layouts and diagrams • Options appraisal and recommendations • Cost estimates (order of magnitude) • Programme and phasing strategy • Presentation to Galeri Board and stakeholders