Pitches for ice cream vendors only at Hartham Common, Grange Paddocks and Thorley Park; and mobile food and beverage operators (including ice cream) at Southern Country Park, Pishiobury and Presdales Recreation Ground are among the locations being made available as official sites from which to trade. The sale of alcohol is not permitted.
Only mobile units can be considered, there are no options at present for permanent static units; and as part of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy - being launched later this month - vendors will be asked to commit to operating with no diesel generators (or fossil fuel) during and after the second year of the contract. Responsible waste management plans are also being built into the agreements.
Speaking about the launch of the tender process, Eric Buckmaster, executive member for wellbeing at East Herts Council said:
“We want to work with local providers to deliver new services for visitors and help keep our parks and open spaces financially sustainable. The tenders have been divided into three separate packages, meaning potential vendors can tender for just one package at one location or multiple packages across different sites.
“Our ambition is for our parks and open spaces to be ACE: attractive and accessible, commercial, environmental and engaged; and we look forward to receiving tenders and to welcoming local suppliers into our parks later this summer to enhance the experience for visitors.”
Trading times will be 9am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday. The initial licensing period will run from 08 July 2022 until 31 March 2025 with contracts renewed for three year periods thereafter.
All submissions will be considered within the council’s financial regulations. Street trading licences are separate to the tender process and will be needed for each location. To apply for a street trader licence – here is the link.
Vendors interested in finding out more about the new mobile vending opportunities across East Herts can view details and apply online by visiting the Supply Hertfordshire portal.
-ends
NOTE: tenders are now closed
