Future management of Sycamore Adventure Centre;
Expression of interests being sought
Dudley Council is seeking expressions of interest from community organisations to take over the management of the Sycamore Adventure Centre as part of a Community Lease arrangement.
The council will retain ownership of the centre as it recognises the value it brings to children, young people of the borough and their families. The Community Lease arrangement will give long term security of the centre to a community partner who will be solely responsible for centre.
The council recognises that a community partner could enhance the offer as well as having opportunities to apply for voluntary/third sector funding streams which would help to assure the centre’s long-term future.
The council is looking for a community partner that could further and creatively develop the centre and meet the needs of the community, whist retaining its core function of providing an exciting, varied and contemporary play offer, with seasonal variation, to maximise the potential for indoor and outdoor use.
Here's a more detailed look:
What's involved?
The community partner should offer a safe play experience to children and families, maintain and develop the facility, have robust operational procedures and clear plans to make the centre financially sustainable into the future.
The centre should be considered a local asset, valued by local residents and provision aimed in general at those children who would most benefit from play activities in line with Dudley demographics data and public health outcomes.
The current offer, core requirements and centre usage are listed in our further details section.
The council is also keen to hear views of how the centre could be developed and innovative ways of adding value to the current offer.
Venue address and viewings:
Sycamore Adventure Centre
Sycamore Green,
Dudley
DY1 3QE
Interested parties can request a centre viewing by emailing with three alternative dates and times to meet to. Sharon.conway@dudley.gov.uk
Timeline:
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The deadline for expressions of interest is 31st August 2025.
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Bids will be reviewed between the 8 and 15 September 2025
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Formal discussions on Expression of Interest will take place week commencing 15 & 22 Sep 2025
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Final decision will be made on 6 October 2025
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A transfer start date will be between 3 November and 1 December 2025
How to express interest:
Community organisations should complete a brief document (called Request for Proposal RFP form) to express their interest in managing the Sycamore Adventure Centre.
Ahead of completion, we recommend that interested parties read the following:
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The head of terms agreement which outlines what a potential lease would include
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They can also email Sharon.conway@dudley.gov.uk for more information or to arrange an informal chat.
Please return your proposal and any supporting documentation via email to Sharon.Conway@dudley.gov.uk