1. Preliminary Market Engagement Mid and East Antrim Borough Council intends to undertake Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) in advance of a proposed procurement exercise for the construction of the i4C Innovation & Cleantech Centre in Ballymena. The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement is to engage with suitably experienced contractors and the wider construction market to assist the Council in developing and refining its procurement strategy and approach prior to commencement of the formal procurement process. The Council wishes to understand current market capability, capacity and appetite for a project of this nature and to obtain market feedback on matters which may influence the final procurement and delivery strategy. 2. Project Description The proposed i4C Innovation & Cleantech Centre will provide a purpose-designed innovation and cleantech facility in Ballymena, supporting businesses operating within the clean technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing sectors. The proposed development is anticipated to comprise office, collaboration and innovation spaces together with light industrial/workshop accommodation, ancillary facilities and associated external works, access, parking, landscaping, utilities and infrastructure. The current estimated construction contract value is approximately £20 million, inclusive of allowances for construction and design risk and anticipated construction and tender inflation. This figure is indicative only and remains subject to ongoing design development, cost planning and confirmation of the proposed procurement scope. The inclusion of loose furniture within the construction contract remains under consideration and will be confirmed as the procurement strategy is developed. The project is currently progressing through design development and statutory approval stages. The The project is currently progressing through design development and statutory approval stages. The final scope and procurement documentation remain subject to development and approval. Through this Preliminary Market Engagement exercise, the Council is seeking feedback from the construction market in relation to matters including, but not necessarily limited to: • current contractor interest and appetite for the project; • market capacity and anticipated competition; • proposed procurement and contracting approach; • appropriate tendering and construction programme durations; • buildability and potential construction sequencing considerations; • key project and delivery risks; • current supply-chain constraints and lead-in periods; • inflation and other relevant market conditions; • opportunities for early contractor or supply-chain input; • sustainability and environmental requirements, including the proposed BREEAM objectives; • social value and opportunities for local supply-chain and SME participation; • information that tenderers would require to appropriately understand, price and manage the project risks; and any other matters which respondents consider could improve the deliverability, value for money or procurement of the project. The Council may use information obtained through this exercise to inform the procurement strategy, tender documentation, programme, risk allocation and other aspects of the proposed procurement Interested contractors are invited to participate in the Preliminary Market Engagement exercise. Participants will be asked to provide feedback through Appendix A – Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire. The relevant Preliminary Market Engagement information and questionnaire will be made available through https://e-sourcingni.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/. Interested contractors are invited to review the information provided and submit their completed responses through the portal no later than: • Monday 16th November 2026 at 5pm Indicative Procurement Programme The following dates are indicative only and may be subject to change: • Preliminary Market Engagement Notice published: Tuesday 20th October 2026 • Deadline for PME responses: Monday 16th November 2026 • Formal procurement process anticipated to commence (PSQ): January 2027 • Invitation to Tender (ITT) anticipated: June 2027 • Contract award anticipated: December 2027 • Contract commencement anticipated: February 2028 • Construction commencement anticipated: May 2028 • Contract completion anticipated: December 2029