The Theatre Royal Plymouth venue and associated event services will be used by the University of Plymouth to deliver its 2027 and 2028 Graduation Ceremonies in November. These ceremonies are a business-critical component of the University’s academic calendar, providing the formal conferral and celebration of awards for graduating students. The contract will support the delivery of multiple graduation ceremonies together with associated hospitality and reception services for graduates, guests, staff and attendees. The contract will cover the hire and exclusive use of Theatre Royal Plymouth for a four-day period comprising one set-up day and three graduation ceremony days. Associated post-ceremony reception services, including catering and hospitality provision for graduates, guests, and official attendees, are also included within the scope of the contract. The requirement has arisen following the unavailability of the University’s previously intended graduation venue, Plymouth Guildhall, due to ongoing refurbishment delays and uncertainty regarding future availability. Theatre Royal Plymouth offers a suitably sized, established, and professionally managed venue capable of accommodating the University's graduation programme and associated logistical requirements within the required timescales. The below justification set out in Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 applies to this Direct Award: (5) ‘Single supplier’ because, due to the particular characteristics, capacity, availability and suitability of the venue required to deliver the University’s graduation programme within the required timescales, Theatre Royal Plymouth is considered to be the only reasonably available supplier capable of meeting the University's requirements. The requirement has arisen following the unavailability of the University’s previously intended graduation venue, Plymouth Guildhall, due to refurbishment delays and uncertainty regarding future availability. The contract will provide venue hire at Theatre Royal Plymouth for one set-up day and three graduation ceremony days. The contract will also provide associated post-ceremony reception and hospitality services, together with the operational support necessary to facilitate the successful delivery of the University’s graduation programme.
