The winning team selected for the estimated 150,000 contract will carry out RIBA Stages 3-to-4 of the project to upgrade facilities at the two sites which are now considered no longer fit for purpose.The project will deliver expanded facilities for storing deer carcasses following annual culls which take place in the East England Forest District. A feasibility study for the project has already been completed by Concertus.According to the brief: The current Deer Larders are no longer fit for purpose. Existing facilities are up to 30 years old, have failing infrastructure and equipment, and struggle to meet statutory regulations required for food hygiene and manual handling.AdvertisementExisting facilities are not big enough to safely store carcasses (numbers will increase further), are not operationally efficient, and do not maximise commercial opportunities.The increasing deer population across the district, in a landscape of fragmented woodland ownership necessitates a different approach to culling and consequently requires a new approach to storing carcasses.The Forestry Commission known as Forestry England in England since 1996 was created in 1919 to expand Britains woodlands following their depletion after the First World War. The organisation today employs 3,400 people and has an annual budget of 50 million.Around 70 per cent of the total Forestry Commission estate is in Scotland with large areas earmarked for timber harvesting and sustainable forest management.The organisation is a major provider of recreational and tourism facilities, operating many walking, cycling and horse riding routes and several visitor centres across the country.AdvertisementPerth-based Bell Ingram Design was picked for a Forestry Commission framework covering small projects across Scotland four years ago.The latest procurement comes two years after Forestry England launched a search for a consultant team to re-masterplan the 130ha Bedgebury National Pinetum in Kent.Bids for the latest commission will be evaluated 75 per cent on quality and 25 per cent on price. Applicants must hold employers liability insurance of 5 million, public liability insurance of 5 million and professional indemnity insurance of 1 million.Competition detailsProject title East England Deer Larder Design RIBA Stages 3&4ClientContract value TbcFirst round deadline 1pm, 2 May 2025Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012907-2025