The local authority has put out a tendering application to find an operator to run the Churchill Gardens community café. The building will be leased for a period of 5 years, which the council has said it anticipate would begin in September 2026.
The tender application says that no extension to the lease length will be granted.
The café is housed in a modular building that was installed in 2021/2022 and is located in the centre Churchill Gardens, Boscombe.
The building features a main café area, with a kitchen and servery along with a disabled toilet. There is an adjoining area that can be separated by sliding doors with a community area, kitchenette, storage and a second toilet.
The café is next to the children’s play area & ball court. It is anticipated that funding will be found to significantly improve the play area as part of the council plan for play strategy which will invest £3.9million into more than 120 playgrounds across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
There is also a ‘grow zone’ of raised beds next to the café which BCP Council is seeking for the operator of the café to carry out light touch management of this facility.
The tender application says “the successful vendor will manage and run the café alongside supporting a wide range of community interests, activities, and events within the park.
The Council manages community parks to support public health, volunteering, and nature recovery.
The tender applicaiton says that the local authority is offering a contract to a suitably experienced operator to manage Churchill Gardens Cafe and grow zone. The services required are the sale of hot and cold food, barista style coffee, tea, ice creams, mineral waters, beverages. A selection of healthy food options and special dietary provisions such as gluten-free or vegan options should also be available as part of the menu offer.
There are also optional items that can be sold including sweets and other light refreshments.
Bids to take over the operation of the café must be received by Friday, May 29, 2026.