Big Lottery Fund has occupied the 5th, 6th and 7th floor of St James Gate for the last 12 years under a full repair and maintenance lease. It plan to reduce occupancy to 2 floors and would like to refurbish floors 5 and 6. Since carrying out a full property review of all our offices, and the successful refurbishment of our offices in Birmingham and Leeds, we have identified our current office in Newcastle does not reflect our vision. The refurbishment of the Newcastle office will provide more flexible, collaborative spaces, and be suitable to invite in our stakeholders to build upon our relationships within the local community.The project is primarily to achieve occupancy requirements, and incorporate hot desking facilities, but also to bring the space in line with our desired design. It is important to the Fund that the project demonstrates an investment in the wellbeing of its staff whilst being mindful of its obligations to use public funds appropriately.

The Big Lottery Fund’s operational office in Newcastle needs to reflect, promote and support our ambition of “People in the Lead” and our Strategic Framework for 2015-21 which will require us to work differently. In future, as a grant maker we will be more open and participatory in how we fund exploring digital and media options and new types of grant making while working more closely with partners and developing stronger local networks and relationships. As a catalyst we want to develop the skills of individuals and communities and support the creation of partnerships to support great community-led activity. As an organisation we will strengthen our networks across the UK to share ideas knowledge and evidence and, recognising that we can’t deliver our vision alone, collaborate with those who can make a difference.

To do this the design, layout and feel of our new environment needs to be:

— a welcoming and comfortable space for staff, customers and stakeholders,

— updated to reflect the next phase of The Big Lottery’s development moving closer to the communities we serve,

— designed with furniture to create and maintain a feeling of space,

— flexible, multi-functional and creative to maximise the effectiveness and productivity of our staff, enable us to work collaboratively, and adapt as our ways of working change and evolve,

— modern and clearly branded to create a distinct big lottery fund presence,

— a cost effective solution, reflecting our principle of financial stewardship of public money,

— an exemplar of best practice in areas such as disability access, energy efficiency and staff welfare,

— an environment that encourages professional use of the office spaces,

— a reflection of the nature of the staff in Newcastle; hardworking, passionate, friendly and fun,

— a comfortable working environment that meets our green aspirations.

Furniture for the Big Lottery Fund Office in Newcastle to compliment the wider design and refurbishment as outlined in Lot 1 and this Contract Notice.