Proposal for Christmas Village Procurement

Councillors are being asked to approve a proposal for procurement to go ahead to deliver a Christmas Village in Dundee city centre for this year’s festive season. 

A report details how a tender would be offered for a maximum of £180,000. This would be partly funded by investment approved as part of the recent budget process to create economic opportunities through increasing footfall and visitors to the city centre. 

Councillors on the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee will hear that the village would operate for a minimum of four weeks.  

Commitee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “We have been reflecting on Christmas 2023 and are determined to provide a compelling experience that attracts visitors and locals alike to the city centre for this year. 

“Additional investment agreed through the council’s budget will help to fund a tender exercise, which, if agreed, will focus on bringing in a professional event company who can provide the best possible family activities for our city centre. 

“The council is working hard to transform the centre of Dundee and we are well aware that Christmas is an extremely important time for our retail sector. 

“While the Dundee Hooley has become established as a successful kick-start to the festive season, the proposed Christmas Village will add to the Christmas experience and attract families, visitors and shoppers into the centre for a sustained period.” 

 Councillors are being asked for approval for the council to progress with an appropriate compliant tender through Public Contracts Scotland. The committee will be told that market research will inform the specification of requirements and to gauge interest.   

Bidders would go through a selection process to assess capability to deliver the requirements of the contract, while the tender would be awarded on the basis of a quality and cost assessment. 

The committee will hear that the tender would be for an initial period of one year but will include scope to renew this annually for a maximum of two additional years. Any renewal will be subject to budget availability and contractor performance. 

The Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Commitee meets on Monday April 22.