Broadoak Asset Management is acting on behalf of New Writing North as a Development Director for an exciting project. In line with their procurement policy, we have set out a brief to establish a shortlist of potential parties to be considered for two appointments as (1) Lead Designer and (2) Project Manager / Employers Agent for this project.
The Client
New Writing North is the writing development agency for the North of England. Recognised as a leader in our field we have produced nationally significant work from our base in Newcastle upon Tyne since 1996. They are a charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. In 2019 they were awarded the North East Creative Business of the Year, an award that recognises businesses which demonstrate confidence, determination and innovation alongside commercial success.
Their business model is built on working in partnership and with connections in and out of the region. They work with national broadcasters such as BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Studios; major publishers such as Hachette UK, Faber & Faber, Penguin Random House and HarperCollins and leading higher education institutes to connect talent to opportunity.
Their alumni and networks include award-winning writers, Oscar nominated screenwriters, and many people who have gone on to build successful careers in the creative industries. They were the first regional writing agency, creating an innovative model of working that inspired six other organisations across the country and have consistently led the way in their field.
The Project
New Writing North’s next venture is a new Centre for Writing and Publishing which will be the first of its kind within the UK to bring together a wide range of arts organisations, charities, universities, schools, and the commercial creative industries with a broad and meaningful civic purpose at its heart. The building will enable further growth of activities and partnerships whilst enabling them to build a financially resilient future. It will lever investment and participation from many commercial partners and will help to position Newcastle upon Tyne as a major centre of writing content production both in the North and the UK.
We have been looking at several existing building options in Newcastle city centre and have recently agreed an option to purchase an historic building in need of considerable renovation works to bring it back into an occupiable condition. To help us realise the vision we are seeking to make 2 key direct consultancy appointments and we have secured funding to take the project forward, initially to RIBA Stage 3. Subject to further funding, the procured consultants will take the project through to a completed build project. Our intention, at present is to complete a technical design and then a formal contractor process, however, we have not ruled out a design and build procurement approach if the appointed contractor has the necessary design capabilities.
This is a high-profile project, we are looking for to proposals from parties who can show a track record in work on public buildings, leisure, retail and preferably the cultural sector and with experience of reporting against the requirements of funders such as Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Appointment 1 – Lead Designer
We are searching for an inspiring design practice to work with us to help realise our vision of a building that is home to offices, collaboration spaces, education facilities, retail, cultural and event spaces. This appointment as Lead Designer, will include a fully appointed team of subcontracted (or in house) design disciplines as agreed, with the intention of novating the design team at Contract stage, if appropriate.
The selection process will be conducted in 2 stages.
Stage One: Expression of Interest:
Interested parties must email john.seager@broadoak-am.uk for a copy of the Initial Expression of Interest form. Once completed, these should be submitted by email no later than 5pm on 23rd October to fiona@newwritingnorth.com and john.seager@broadoak-am.uk . Please do not submit any paper copies.
Stage Two: Detailed Proposal:
Following receipt of expressions of interest, we aim to invite a shortlist of a minimum of 3 parties for a 1-hour meeting during the week commencing 1st November. This meeting will allow us to share more detailed information about our aspirations and will lead onto a request for a more comprehensive fee proposal including consultancy team, and outline design ideas. The exact date for the submission of the detailed proposal is to be confirmed but will be approximately 4 weeks after the initial meetings.
Our intention is to notify the selected party within 2 weeks of receipt of final submissions.
The selected parties must be able to illustrate a track record in multi-use developments, a strong regional awareness and connection, experience in working with heritage buildings, display innovation in tackling access and diversity and climate change priorities as part of the built environment and work closely with a us to develop a comprehensive brief and design to bring this vision to life. As the project location is specific to Newcastle, and we anticipate a need for the design team to be in attendance on site regularly, proposals received from consultants who are located in the city centre will be treated with preference.
Appointment 2 – Project Manager/Employer’s Agent
The Project Manager will be a separate appointment, based upon a single stage proposal and will also perform an Employers Agent role, working closely with the CEO and Development Director. The appointment is intended to take the Client initially to RIBA Stage 4 with the extension of the appointment to include RIBA 5 to 7 once further funding has been secured.
The Appointment will include the following (non-exhaustive) services:
- Help the Client develop their business case and strategic brief
- Advise on the selection and appointment of the professional team (including assistance with the appointment process if required) including agreeing the detailed brief and coordinating the design
- Monitor performance of the professional team
- Organisation of and attendance at Client meetings
- Issuing information and instructions on behalf of the Client
- Advise on chosen procurement route and form of contracts as may be required
- Advising on pre-construction, construction, and post construction processes
- Agree reporting procedures with the CEO
- Prepare monthly, quality, cost and programme reports and advise the Client of any decisions required
- Report to the Capital Sub-Committee and full board of trustees as required.
As the project location is specific to Newcastle, and we anticipate a need for the PM to be in attendance on site regularly, proposals received from consultants who are located in the city centre will be treated with preference.
Interested parties must email john.seager@broadoak-am.uk for a copy of the Initial Expression of Interest form. Once completed, these should be submitted by email no later than 5pm on 15th October to fiona@newwritingnorth.com and john.seager@broadoak-am.uk . Please do not submit any paper copies.
We intend to make an appointment by the end of October with the appointment commencing immediately.