The Science and Innovation Campus
Swansea University has published an advert on Tenders Direct – the online publication in which all tenders from the public sector, valued above a certain financial threshold according to EU legislation, must be published.
The OJEU notice will invite third parties interested in developing and delivering the proposed Science and Innovation Campus to complete and submit a PQQ (pre-qualification questionnaire) by Monday 22 August 2011.
This procurement exercise is a significant step in the development of the proposed Science and Innovation Campus. It reflects the fact that the University is in the concluding stages of realising its vision to develop one of the largest knowledge economy parks in Europe and ensures that the development agreement, yet to be reached, delivers best value.
The requirement for a Science and Innovation Campus, within a 10 mile radius of the University’s established Singleton Park campus, was identified by the University in 2007 and a report commissioned to identify potential sites.
In March 2008, Swansea University’s governing body, Council, authorised for a feasibility study to be undertaken on a plot of land owned by BP. The proposed site, which is now owned by the developer St Modwen, is located off Fabian Way.
The University’s requirement for a Science and Innovation Campus remains the same. However the anticipated commercial arrangements and good practice are such that under EU procurement regulations, we must proceed to tender on the project.
The University has determined to use this opportunity to reassess the market with a view to ensuring that the optimum solution, to meet the University’s pre-identified requirement, is selected and, at the same time, to ensure that this solution offers the University and its public and private sector partners ‘best value’.
Professor Iwan Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University said “We are at an exciting stage in the development of Swansea University’s proposed Science and Innovation Campus.
"Following a detailed evaluation, potential partners will be invited to participate in a competitive dialogue that will result in the selection of the preferred supplier and the award of a contract to develop and construct one of the largest knowledge economy parks in Europe with a significant economic impact on the south west region of Wales."
For more information about the proposed Science and Innovation Campus, visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/campusexpansion/
