Bath and North East Somerset Council is seeking an operator to manage and promote the facilities at Royal Victoria Park Golf and Footgolf site, formerly known as the Approach Golf Course.
The Operator will need to develop and manage the facilities at Royal Victoria Park Golf and Footgolf site which include Golf, Footgolf, Kiosk/Café, public toilets and management of the grounds.
Bath and Council Background
From the Roman Baths to impressive landscapes and vistas, Bath is a vibrant, historic destination for both UK and international tourists. Recent estimates showed over 6 million UK and international visitor came to visit Bath last year and Bath and North East Somerset itself is also home to over 193,000 residents.
Despite overall low levels, we still see pockets of relative ‘deprivation’ and inequalities affect a wide range of local life outcomes. Life expectancy is improving, except for those in most deprived areas.
We believe everyone has a part to play and our residents and visitors should be supported to stay healthy, live well and make good choices for their own health and wellbeing as such we are looking for an operator who can work with us to achieve our purpose, goals and principles.
We have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
We have two core policies – tackling the climate and nature emergency and giving people a bigger say through working with residents to act on their concerns.
To translate our purpose into commitments, we have three principles with extended ambitions:
1. Preparing for the future - we will work towards a resilient, sustainable economy that is fair, green, creative and connected.
2. Delivering for local residents - we will continually improve frontline services across our communities, whilst protecting the most vulnerable.
3. Focusing on prevention - we will invest in prevention across all services to tackle inequalities and improve local areas.
Royal Victoria Park (RVP) Golf and Footgolf (Formerly Approach Golf Course)
Site location: Formerly Bath Approach Golf Course, Weston Road, Bath BA1 2DS
The facilities included 18-hole golf course, 12-hole footgolf course, kiosk/cafe and toilets.
The site is next to beautiful Royal Victoria Park, which is a tourist attraction in its own right and is easily accessible from car parks (particularly Charlotte Street) and the town centre.
The operator will need to show how they would contribute to the council’s priorities including enabling more people to be more active more often, to improve health and wellbeing, as well as the climate and nature emergency declarations.
The operator will be required to maintain and operate the facility with the aim of providing activities that support the Councils required outcomes and improving the Council income relating to this site.
Council Aims
The tender process intends to appoint a single provider to develop, maintain and operate all facilities at the site. The contract length is to be up to 10 years, with break clauses available at years 3, 5 and 8.
The aims of the Council are:
• To retain or improve specific facilities at the site:
o 18-hole golf course
o 12-hole footgolf course
o Café/kiosk – to be improved to a more wholistic catering offer.
• For the new operator to invest in the site ensuring improved operation for the life of the contract.
• Maintain public conveniences.
• To improve participation in the above facilities.
• Increase the income to the Council, with potential for excess profit share.
• To appoint an operator who will engage with the Council, residents and facility users throughout the life of the contract.
Procurement Process
The Council is running an open tender process with a closing 21st August 2026.
To access the information, you will need to register at www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk and search for:
Project DN820613 – Royal Victoria Park Golf and Footgolf
For any initial conversations on this process please contact Tom Ellis at procurement@bathnes.gov.uk
The council is using an Open Procurement approach in accordance with the Procurement Act 23, via the e-procurement system Pro-Contract. The Tender will include the completion of a Standard Questionnaire and Tender documentation with business plan and Method Statement questions.
The evaluation on cost will be on the basis of:
1. The concession payment to the council shown in the Business Plan
2. The viability of the Business Plan, including participation levels and income planned.
There is also a quality response required covering the following headings:
1. Delivery Methodology
2. Facility Operation and Development Plans
3. Climate and Ecological Emergency
4. Social Value
IMPORTANT NOTE: AS THE SITE IS CURRENTLY OCCUPIED, ANY INSPECTION/VISIT MUST BE ARRANGED VIA THE COUNCIL ON AT LEAST A WEEK’S NOTICE. THANK YOU.
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People who cannot access this document in it’s original format are entitled to receive it in an alternative format such as EasyRead, large print, translated language or an audio recording. It can also be emailed as a Microsoft document.
Contact details: Email: procurement@bathnes.gov.uk
Key
Purple lines = public footpaths
Green hatched area = area maintained for biodiversity etc by Council.