The Friary Multi-Storey Car Park Refurbishment
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't just focus on the repairs
Yes, you're tasked with refurbishing a multi-storey car park.
But the council is really looking for peace of mind.
Lichfield District Council wants to ensure that their car park remains safe, operational and visually appealing for users.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to know that the chosen contractor can manage this without disrupting daily operations or causing safety concerns.
The contract involves quite a few elements: fire protection of the existing steelwork, electrical repairs, replacement of resin surface finishes and storm water drainage improvements. It's a complex project with a lot of moving parts.
I'd focus on demonstrating how you'll manage these elements seamlessly.
Think about the users
Car parks are more than just buildings.
They're spaces people pass through every day, often in a hurry.
What do users care about?
Safety is a big one.
Make sure your response considers how you'll maintain a safe environment throughout the refurbishment process.
Another is accessibility.
How will you ensure users can still access parking facilities during the works?
Mention any measures you'd take to minimise disruption.
The importance of phased work
The notice mentions "phased redecoration" and improvements.
This suggests the council is concerned about maintaining car park operations during the refurbishment.
I'd make sure to clearly outline how you'll phase the work.
Explain your approach to keeping the car park operational while ensuring the safety of users and workers.
Phasing isn't just about timing.
It's about communication too.
How will you keep the council and users informed about what's happening when?
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is clear about several key priorities.
Fire protection, electrical repairs and drainage improvements are not just tick-box exercises.
They are fundamental to the structural and operational integrity of the car park.
When Lichfield District Council says these are important, they mean it.
So, what does that mean for your response?
Don't just list the tasks. Explain how you'll ensure these critical elements meet their standards.
If I were writing this tender, I'd be very clear about how my approach ensures these priorities are addressed effectively.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder promised excellent service.
Few backed it up with evidence.
In this tender, evidence is crucial.
- Previous projects of a similar nature
- Client testimonials
- Safety records
- Examples of effective communication strategies during similar phased projects
Use your evidence to set yourself apart.
Holding standards over the whole term
Consistency is key.
The refurbishment might only last a few months, but maintaining standards throughout is critical.
How will you deal with absences, sickness or unexpected challenges?
I'd want to see exactly what happens when someone calls in sick or when an unexpected issue arises.
Regular performance reviews and inspections should be part of your plan.
Show how you'll keep the project moving smoothly from start to finish.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
People use this car park every day.
If I were writing this tender, I'd keep asking: "How will my work affect them?"
It's not just about delivering a refurbished car park.
It's about ensuring users feel safe and can go about their day without disruption.
That focus on the end-user experience will resonate with the council.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the importance of phased work
- Overlook user safety and accessibility during the project
- Lack evidence of past similar projects
- Fail to outline how critical priorities will be met
- Neglect communication strategies with the council and users
- Assume the council only cares about the cheapest bid
- Don't address how standards will be maintained over the project term
My Final Thoughts
Lichfield District Council isn't just looking for a contractor to refurbish a car park.
They're looking for a partner they can trust to enhance a vital public space in a way that prioritises safety, accessibility and quality.
The contract's value is £650,000, running from January to August 2027, with a possible extension to September.
This tells me the council is serious about finding the right partner, not just the cheapest.
With a focus on quality, you'll want to emphasise how your approach aligns with their priorities.
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.