Dundonald International Ice Bowl (DIIB) is owned and operated by Castlereagh Borough Council (the Council). The facility has been a popular attraction for over 27 years, attracting approximately 600 000 visitors per year. Facilities at DIIB currently include the only public Olympic size ice rink in Northern Ireland, a tenpin bowling alley and Indiana Land jungle gym. There is also a climbing centre tenant and airsoft laser tenant within the facility.

The Council plans to construct a new standalone leisure facility adjacent to the existing facility at the DIIB site. A full planning application has been submitted for a circa 17 000 sqm leisure complex at DIIB. The new facilities will include the following, together (the New Facilities):

(a) 60 x 30 m ice rink suitable for ice hockey, figure and leisure skating;

(b) 24 lane tenpin bowling centre;

(c) Fitness gym;

(d) Fitness studio;

(e) Multi-purpose function rooms/studio/party rooms;

(f) Restaurant (short order type);

(g) Café/Social hub space;

(h) Climbing centre including artificial climbing walls;

(i) Health and well-being centre;

(j) 12 court sports hall; and

(k) Kids soft play zone.

The purpose of this procurement exercise is to identify a contractor with whom the Council will enter into a contract to provide the 24 lane tenpin bowling centre (the Bowling Contract). The Bowling Contract will take the form of an NEC Option A contract.

The Bowling Contract will involve the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the following elements:

a) Bowling lanes and masking units;

b) Pin spotter machines and ball returns;

c) Display monitors, scoring system and operational technology;

d) Lane furniture including seating, tables, ball racks etc (versatile components are preferred); and

e) All associated elements required to provide a fully functional 24 lane tenpin bowling alley.

The Council has commenced a procurement process for the identification of a contractor to construct the New Facilities (the Main Contract).

The Council, via a separate procurement process, is also in the process of appointing a specialist ice contractor to provide specialist consultancy support on the integration of the ice rink into the New Facilities and thereafter to supply and install the Olympic size ice rink (the Ice Contract).

Bidders should note that it is currently envisaged that once the Main Contract for the New Facilities has been awarded, the Ice Contract and the Bowling Contract will be novated from the Council to the contractor appointed to carry out the Main Contract (the Main Contractor). The Main Contractor will take responsibility for the management and delivery of all aspects of the New Facilities, including those elements to be delivered under the Ice Contract and the Bowling Contract.

The existing complex at DIIB will remain operational throughout the duration of the development of the New Facilities.