Expressions of Interest invited for Catering and Educational Opportunities at Barton's Point Coastal Park
The Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for two opportunities at Barton’s Point Coastal Park, Marine Parade, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 2BX. These are:
- Lot 1: The Old Boathouse Café
- Lot 2: Outdoor Learning
There are further details about each opportunity below.
We are open to EOI’s for each of Lots 1 and 2, individually or consolidated proposals which seek to meet both requirements.
Please submit your EOI by 12pm on Monday 5 October 2026.
Lot 1: The Old Boathouse Cafe
 The old boathouse is a block frame, timber clad building with corrugated roof at the shore of the lake with a self-contained patio area. The property provides a good opportunity for a provider to deliver a food & beverage provision for the coastal park and a lease will be offered to the preferred bidder, when identified.
The Council is keen that bidders should demonstrate strong community values in how the Café offer operates. We ask that EOI’s show how the proposed operation contributes positively to how the site delivers social value; for instance by facilitating programmes, events, and activities that strengthen local connections and promote inclusive use of the Coastal Park.
The building has benefited from some refurbishment in recent years but is of basic construction. It is the intention that the terms of occupation will require the successful bidder to maintain the building and undertake improvements required, subject to the Councils consent.
The internal part of the building will be cleared of all existing equipment and fittings ahead of occupation. Bidders are therefore advised to inspect the building and carefully consider the cost of providing catering equipment and any necessary works before submitting in their EOI.
Lot 2: Outdoor Learning
 The Council invites proposals which bring structured inclusive outdoor learning opportunities to Barton's Point. This may involve collaboration with local organisations, schools and community partners to create meaningful learning opportunities that support wellbeing, environmental awareness, and lifelong learning. These could be operated from the Lot 1 café building if agreement is reached or from temporary structures within the park supplied by the chosen provider, to be agreed with the Council.
The Council is open-minded as to the nature of proposed activity and any provider will be able to work with the Council’s Greenspaces Ranger, to facilitate activity.
There is an area of grass alongside the lake which is suitable for camping during the summer season and the use and management of the lake which may be of interest to Bidders, but individual operators would need to satisfy themselves that proposals would be compliant with all regulatory requirements, including planning and any Health & Safety regulations.
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