Design Lead for Christchurch Learning Centre School Satellite
The contract covers lead design services for adapting an existing adult-use building into a satellite school facility for Christchurch Learning Centre. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, the local authority responsible for education and capital development, will appoint a Lead Designer to coordinate specialist consultants and develop the design and scope of works with the Council and the school’s end users. The completed facility must support Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and externalising behaviours, with consultation throughout all RIBA Plan of Work 2020 stages and delivery through the Council’s Gateway approval process. The estimated contract value is £200,000, although no contract duration is stated and continuation may depend on cost and internal approvals at each Gateway stage. Work will be delivered in Christchurch, within the UKK24 region. The critical qualification requirement is the ability to act as Lead Designer and manage a team of specialist consultants through the required RIBA stages and governance process.
Buyer: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 16 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £200k
- Bids close: 17 Nov 2026
- Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Procedure: Below threshold - open competition
- Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 to 31 Dec 2028
- Category: Architectural and related services (71200000)
From the official notice
BCP Council are seeking to appoint a Lead Designer to lead a team of specialist consultants to develop a design and scope of works in consultation with the client and end user to best meet the needs of the cohort or children that Christchurch Learning Centre will be educating on the site. The primary changes required are to adapt a building originally utilised by adults into a school building suitable for KS3-KS4 students with Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs and externalising behaviours. The Council will be the Client for the project, and all instructions will come from Education and Skills Capital Team unless a specific delegation is agreed in writing. Christchurch Learning Centre will be the End User of the completed facility and will be consulted throughout at all RIBA Stages to ensure that the design meets their requirements. All final design decisions remain with the Client. The project will develop through Gateway approval stages managed within the Education and Skills governance process, which accord with the RIBA Plan of work 2020. NOTE: Bidders should be aware that BCP Council may decide not to continue with the project at any one of the Gateway stages should the estimated costs become prohibitive or internal approvals are not granted. Please refer to 'Appendix 1 - Specification - Design Lead for Christchurch Learning Centre' section 5 ('Project Governance and Structure') which outlines this in more detail.
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 17 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £200k.
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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