Rochford District Council has launched the first stage of its procurement process to find an experienced operator for the Mill Arts and Events Centre. Organisations are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to run the venue as part of a new long-term leasehold and management contract, with submissions due by Monday 1 December 2025.
The Council is looking for a company, organisation or trust with a strong track record in managing cultural and community venues. The successful operator will take on responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Mill Arts and Events Centre, bringing forward fresh ideas, strong business planning, and a creative vision for the future of the building.
This early market engagement stage will help the Council shape the contract so it delivers value for money, supports innovation, and ensures the venue can operate sustainably for years to come. Feedback from potential operators will play an important role in informing the next steps of the process.
Timetable for Procurement
- 7 November 2025 – Market engagement advertised
- 1 December 2025 – Responses to market engagement due
- 8 December 2025 – Invitation to tender released
- February 2026 – Deadline for tender responses
- March 2026 – Assessment summaries issued and contract awarded
- April – June 2026 – Mobilisation period
- June 2026 – Contract starts
This follows a strategic review by the Council’s Economic Development, Regeneration & Tourism Committee in September 2025, which recommended outsourcing the operation of the Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre. The outsourcing model was found to be the best fit in terms of financial sustainability, cultural programming, and operational efficiency.
The Council will retain ownership of the venue, while the operator will be responsible for delivering a vibrant programme of arts and events. A proposed capital investment of £2.67 million will refurbish and modernise the building, including sustainability upgrades such as solar panels.
Councillor Daniel Efde, Chair of the Economic Development, Regeneration and Tourism Committee, said: “This is an important milestone in securing the future of the Mill Arts and Events Centre. By working with an experienced operator, we can ensure the venue thrives as a cultural hub for our community, while delivering value for money and supporting our sustainability goals. We welcome feedback from organisations with the vision and expertise to take the Mill forward.”
The Expression of Interest (EOI) documents can be viewed and submissions made through the ProContract (Proactis) Portal under the Opportunity Id DN796630