Description of the contract
Galeri Caernarfon Cyf invites suitably qualified and experienced multidisciplinary
teams to tender for the delivery of a RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Study to inform the future
redevelopment of its flagship arts centre, herein referred to as Galeri 3.
Galeri Caernarfon Cyf is a not-for-profit social enterprise and one of North Wales’
leading cultural organisations. Rooted in the community of Caernarfon, Galeri operates
with a clear social, cultural and economic mission: to support the Welsh language,
enable creative expression, and contribute to a sustainable local economy.
The organisation delivers a high-volume, year-round programme spanning live
performance, cinema, participatory activity and commercial hospitality. It plays a vital
role as:
• A major regional employer (within the top 1.5% in Gwynedd by workforce size)
• A creative hub for artists, freelancers and cultural practitioners
• A community anchor, providing inclusive space for social interaction, learning
and engagement
• A driver of the local economy, attracting visitors and supporting town centre
vibrancy
As a social enterprise, all income generated through Galeri’s commercial activity—
including its café, events and ticketed programme—is reinvested directly into its
artistic, community and cultural offer. This blended model of cultural and
commercial activity is central to its sustainability and impact.
As the building approaches its twentieth year, Galeri is seeking to reimagine its physical
infrastructure to better support this role—ensuring that the organisation can continue
to grow as a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking arts centre, aligned with its long term strategic, environmental and commercial ambitions.
Background and Context
Galeri has recently completed a comprehensive programme of baseline assessments,
including:
• Economic Impact Assessment
• Building Condition Survey
• Carbon Usage Report
These inform a new Corporate Plan (2026–2030), which establishes the following core
organisational values:
1. Galeri Innovates
Creative, modern and dynamic – venturing with new ideas and moving
forward confidently.
2. Galeri Welcomes
Inclusive and friendly – rooted in Wales and fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Galeri Respects
Upholding the old traditions and celebrating the new – operating with
dedication and care, and being a fair and honest employer.
4. Galeri Excels
Ambitious and high-quality – building on sustainable practices for the long
term.
Galeri plays a significant regional role, ranked within the top 1.5% of employers in
Gwynedd, with strong and growing commercial income.
However, the building now presents significant challenges, including:
• High carbon usage
• Ageing infrastructure
• Operational inefficiencies
• Constraints on growth
Project Aim
To undertake a RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Study that establishes a clear, ambitious and
deliverable vision for the future development of Galeri 3.
The study must translate Galeri’s corporate vision into a practical spatial, technical and
commercial strategy, forming the foundation for future capital investment.
Objectives
The appointed team will:
Assess the fitness for purpose of the existing building.
Explore redevelopment, reconfiguration or extension options.
Identify opportunities to:
• Improve operational efficiency
• Increase income-generation potential
• Enhance audience and user experience
• Reduce carbon impact
Develop a clear strategic direction for the next stages (RIBA 2+)
Scope of Services
The scope includes, but is not limited to:
Strategic Review
Review and baseline understanding
The team should review all existing information and establish a clear starting point,
including:
• Building condition and fabric
• Energy/carbon data
• Existing layouts and operational constraints
• Business model, programme, audience and commercial activity
• Strategic aims from the Corporate Plan
Stakeholder and user engagement
The appointed team will be expected to undertake a structured programme of
stakeholder and user engagement to ensure that the feasibility study is informed by
operational experience, organisational priorities and the needs of key users. This should
help establish a clear understanding of how the building currently functions, where
constraints or opportunities exist, and what requirements should shape future
development options.
• Engagement with Galeri leadership, staff and board
• User / stakeholder consultation where relevant
• Testing how spaces currently work and where the issues are
• Confirming operational requirements for future use
Options Development
Develop high-level spatial and architectural options - develop feasible options for
refurbishment, reconfiguration, extension or partial redevelopment.
Test multiple scenarios (e.g. refurbishment vs redevelopment).
Consider phasing and operational continuity.
Technical Considerations
Building fabric and services implications
Accessibility and inclusive design
Fire, statutory and planning considerations
Sustainability, decarbonisation and environmental performance
Practical constraints of the existing site/building
Assessment of temporary performance accommodation requirements to maintain
operational continuity during the construction period.
Commercial and Operational Analysis
Opportunities for increased revenue generation
Improved use of space
Integration of hospitality, performance and community uses
Cost and Deliverability
High-level capital cost estimates.
Programme timeline and phasing.
Consideration of Galeri’s internal capacity to deliver future stages of the project,
including governance, staffing and client-side support requirements that the team
should consider for following stages.
Key risks and constraints
Reporting
Production of a RIBA Stage 1 Report, including:
• Strategic recommendations
• Preferred option(s)
• Concept diagrams and layouts
• Indicative costings
• Delivery roadmap
Design Principles
The study must demonstrably align with Galeri’s values.
Deliverables
The appointed team will provide:
• RIBA Stage 1 Feasibility Report (PDF + editable formats)
• Concept layouts and diagrams
• Options appraisal and recommendations
• Cost estimates (order of magnitude)
• Programme and phasing strategy
• Presentation to Galeri Board and stakeholders
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