Shropshire Council, working with the Environment Agency, is undertaking preliminary market engagement for the supply and installation of permanent flood defences and a step-free access ramp at the northern approach to Frankwell pedestrian bridge, adjacent to the Guildhall, Shrewsbury. Two options are under consideration: Option 1, integrated permanent flood defences including glazed panels, with a step-free ramp landing on the dry side of the defences; and Option 2, a step-free ramp over the existing stepped ramp, landing on the wet side of the existing demountable flood defences. Associated works include foundations, drainage, surfacing, tie-ins to the existing bridge, public realm interfaces and support with statutory approvals, including planning permission in a conservation area and a Flood Risk Activity Permit. The Council wants the market to identify which option is the best solution and whether it can be delivered ahead of the flood season commencing September 2027. Suppliers will be asked which option they recommend and why; whether they can deliver both options; whether they can deliver the proposed solution and also source and install the flood defence barriers, and which barrier solution they would recommend; an indicative cost band for their proposed solution; their delivery model (direct delivery, subcontracting or supply chain); and the key risks they foresee. Project progression is subject to a funding application, which feedback from this engagement will directly support. This notice is not a call for competition and the Council is not committed to proceeding with a procurement. Any subsequent procurement would be advertised on the Find a Tender service.

Procurement Act 2023

Broken link fixed to the MS Forms

The Council is inviting written responses from interested suppliers, to be submitted via Microsoft Forms at the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ETDBti03i0O8gmfkx5ZuiYDedTzJQrxCpJllkEkmL09UNkg5MllJWFQ5TlNITVJQV1FFNEJSTzZTSy4u The form mirrors the response form contained in the preliminary market engagement document. A preliminary market engagement document with supporting information, including indicative drawings of both options, is available on request from Tim Pritchard at [email protected]. The Council is also offering interested suppliers an accompanied site walk-out at the northern approach to Frankwell pedestrian bridge with a dedicated Project Manager. The available dates are: Monday 21 September 2026, 10:00-13:00 Wednesday 23 September 2026, 09:00-10:45 Thursday 24 September 2026, 10:00-13:00 or 15:00-17:00 Advance booking is required. To book a site walk-out, contact Tim Pritchard at [email protected]. Site visits will be managed to ensure all participants receive equal access to information. Completed responses must be submitted via the Microsoft Forms link by 8 October 2026. Participation in this engagement does not confer preferential treatment in any subsequent procurement, and participants are responsible for their own costs.