Sandscale Integrated Depot - RIBA 3 Design Study
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The biggest clue in this tender isn't the design
Yes, this is a design study.
But what Westmorland and Furness Council is really buying is a vision for the Sandscale Park Integrated Services Depot.
They're looking for a partner who can take the feasibility study findings and translate them into a clear, detailed plan that anticipates future needs and hurdles.
This project involves developing the former Owl Centre site in Barrow-in-Furness.
It's not just about drawing up plans. It's about preparing comprehensive design and cost documentation up to RIBA Stage 3, along with technical surveys, environmental assessments and planning-related work to support a future planning application.
Don't just focus on modular buildings
Modular buildings are part of the plan.
But if I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for how well you can integrate these modular solutions with the existing infrastructure.
It’s about creating a cohesive plan that makes the most of what's already there.
Many bidders will talk at length about their experience with modular construction.
Few will address how they’ll harmonise it with the new infrastructure at Sandscale Park.
That's what will set you apart.
Think about what the Council worries about
Every council has its concerns.
For this project, it's about ensuring the design is robust enough to handle real-world constraints.
They're likely concerned about:
- Environmental impacts
- Planning permissions
- Budget adherence
- Timely delivery
- Future scalability
Address these worries directly in your submission.
Show the Council you’ve thought through the practical challenges.
Pay attention to what they say
The Council is clear about what they want.
They've outlined the need for "a suite of technical surveys, environmental assessments and planning-related work".
This isn't just a checkbox exercise.
They want comprehensive, insightful work that will support a future planning application.
Highlight your experience in these areas.
Explain how you'll ensure these surveys and assessments are thorough and informative.
Evidence always carries more weight than promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that promises are common, but evidence is rare.
If you have past projects that demonstrate your ability to deliver similar work, now is the time to showcase it.
Use evidence like:
- Case studies of similar projects
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Awards or recognitions in the field
- Data showing successful project outcomes
Concrete examples will always beat vague assurances.
Show how you'll make life easier for the Council
A good submission doesn’t just outline what you’ll do.
It shows how you'll make the Council’s job easier.
If I were writing this tender, I'd explain how my approach reduces risk and ensures the project stays on track.
Think about how your project management, communication and collaboration skills will benefit the Council.
Don't underestimate the importance of planning-related work
The planning-related work is crucial here.
It's not just about ticking boxes.
It's about laying the groundwork for a successful planning application.
Emphasise your understanding of local planning regulations and your ability to navigate them effectively.
Consistency over the whole term
Delivering consistently over the project’s duration is key.
The Council will want assurance that you can maintain standards from start to finish.
Talk about your processes for managing quality, deadlines and team collaboration.
Explain how you handle unforeseen challenges, such as changes in scope or unexpected site issues.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Remember, this isn't just a design study.
It's a step towards creating a crucial facility for the community.
Every decision you make in your submission should reflect an understanding of the site's future role and impact.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the integration of modular buildings with existing infrastructure
- Fail to address environmental and planning concerns
- Rely on generic promises without evidence
- Ignore the importance of planning-related work
- Lack clear processes for maintaining consistency over the project term
- Focus solely on design without considering the broader vision
- Underestimate the Council's need for comprehensive surveys and assessments
My Final Thoughts
Westmorland and Furness Council needs more than a set of drawings.
They're looking for a partner who can deliver a detailed, thoughtful plan for the Sandscale Park Integrated Services Depot.
With a contract value of £174,000 and a duration from 19 November 2026 to 5 March 2027, there's a clear expectation for quality and timely delivery.
This is not just about meeting the basic requirements. It's about exceeding them.
Quality is likely valued heavily here, so your written submission should reflect depth, understanding and strategic thinking.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.