Lowestoft Town Council seeks a contractor to undertake a series of opening up works throughout the Grade II listed Lowestoft Town Hall. This work will provide key information to the design team, including architects and structural engineers, during their RIBA3 stage work.

The Town Hall has been vacant since 2015. Due to lack of use, the historic fabric of the building is now in a precarious state, leading to the building being placed on the Buildings at Risk register. The building is a key strategic element within the North Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone (NLHAZ).

This project, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England, East Suffolk Council and Towns Fund, will transform the Town Hall into a multifunctioning building that will be in the heart of historic Lowestoft and the Harbour Ward.

The contractor will undertake room-specific opening up works throughout the Town Hall, enabling the design team to understand better the underlying structure and current condition of key elements of the building, currently hidden by modern additions, floor finishes etc. No geotechnical work is required at this stage.

Potential bidders should note that there is asbestos present within the building, and they must manage any asbestos containing materials, or suspected ACMs, that are disturbed as a result of the opening up works, in accordance with the asbestos register recommendations and in line with all health and safety regulations.

The appointed contractor will have experience of work in listed buildings, and must provide details of how they will deal with ACMs in the building. All applicants must hold a minimum of £5m Public Liability Insurance and £5m Employer's Liability Insurance. All quotes must be inclusive of all fees, expenses and other costs, and note whether VAT is applicable.

Suitably experienced contractors should contact Lowestoft Town Council to register their interest and request copies of:

a)    the opening up specifications schedule and accompanying plans

b)    the asbestos refurbishment survey, completed Aug 22.

All bids must be submitted by 4 January 2023 at 12 noon.  It is expected the work will be completed by 6 February at the latest.

To register interest and receive the documents, please email admin@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk.