BaDC-1727 Retford Buttermarket Food Hall Operator Opportunity
Bassetlaw District Council, the local government authority for Bassetlaw, is seeking an experienced operator to occupy and run an indoor street food market in the Buttermarket on the ground floor of Retford Town Hall. The operator will manage delivery, food vendor relationships and commercial performance, while helping shape the final design and fit-out of the approximately 260m² space, which is intended to provide diverse, affordable catering, communal areas and events that support Retford’s town-centre, evening and weekend economy. The premises are expected to become available for commercial operation in Winter 2026/Spring 2027, subject to design and construction, with an anticipated five-year lease including a break at Year 3 and an option to extend for a further five years. Delivery will take place at Retford Town Hall, Market Square, Retford, Nottinghamshire, within the UKF25 region. The critical qualification is evidence of suitable experience to operate and commercially manage an indoor street food market, including vendor management and overall service delivery.
Buyer: Bassetlaw District Council. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 20 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £18m
- Bids close: 27 Nov 2026
- Location: North Northamptonshire, North Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire CC and Rutland
- Procedure: Open procedure
- Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 to 3 Jan 2032
- Category: Building and facilities management services (79993000)
From the official notice
Bassetlaw District Council (the Council) wishes to invite tenders to appoint a suitably experienced operator to occupy and operate an indoor street food market within the Retford Town Hall's Buttermarket. The operator will be responsible for all aspects of delivery, vendor management and commercial performance, in return for the right to trade from the premises and an opportunity to influence the final design and fit-out of the space. The Council's objectives in appointing an operator are to: • Animate and activate Retford town centre • Support independent and start-up food businesses • Provide a high-quality, diverse and affordable food offer • Increase footfall and dwell time • Support the evening and weekend economy • Deliver social and economic value for the local area The Buttermarket is anticipated to be available to the operator for commercial operation from Winter 2026/Spring 2027 subject to detailed design agreement and construction programme. The Council envisions the successful provider from this tender to join as a partner through this design process. This interim period for design and Council construction will ensure the final installation is fit for purpose and encourages optimal commercial operation for the appointed end user. Location Located on the Market Square, Retford Town Hall is well positioned to amplify the offerings of the town, however, the site is currently greatly underutilised, and its facilities require significant modernisation. The Buttermarket...
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 27 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £18m.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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