Operating The Blackwood Miners’ Institute
The contract covers the external management and operation of Blackwood Miners’ Institute, a Grade II listed cultural venue, on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, a Welsh local authority. The appointed operator will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day venue management, deliver a high-quality artistic and cultural programme, engage local communities, develop commercial opportunities, and protect the Institute’s long-term financial and operational sustainability. The required approach must build on the venue’s heritage while creating a vibrant, inclusive and financially resilient cultural destination, with performance assessed through operational capability, financial sustainability, programme quality and community impact. The estimated contract value is £1.6 million, although the available details do not state the contract duration. Delivery will take place at Blackwood Miners’ Institute in Blackwood, within the UKL16 region of the United Kingdom. The critical qualification is proven experience in cultural, arts, heritage, entertainment or venue management, together with a strong record of sustainable, community-focused operations.
Buyer: Caerphilly County Borough Council. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 30 Sept 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £1.6m
- Bids close: 18 Nov 2026
- Location: Gwent Valleys
- Procedure: Open procedure
- Contract period: 1 Feb 2027 to 31 Jan 2032
- Category: Property management services of real estate on a fee or contract basis (70330000)
From the official notice
Blackwood Miners' Institute (BMI) is a cultural landmark with a proud history. Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) is seeking to appoint an external operator to lead the artistic, cultural, community and commercial activity of this Grade II listed historic venue Following a comprehensive review of the venue's future operating model, CCBC is now commencing a formal procurement process to identify a suitably experienced organisation to manage and develop Blackwood Miners' Institute. The Council is inviting applications from organisations with proven expertise in cultural, arts, heritage, entertainment and venue management, and a strong track record of delivering sustainable and community focused operations. The successful operator will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management of the venue, ensuring the delivery of a high quality artistic and cultural programme, engaging local communities, maximising commercial opportunities and safeguarding the long term sustainability of the Institute. Through this tender opportunity, CCBC is seeking an operator that can demonstrate a clear vision for the future of Blackwood Miners' Institute, building upon its heritage and reputation while developing a vibrant, financially resilient, and inclusive cultural destination. Tenderers will be required to submit responses in accordance with the requirements set out within the procurement documentation. Submissions will be evaluated against the published crite...
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 18 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £1.6m.
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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