Expression of Interest: Design and build new website for Trent Park House (phase one)

We are looking for expressions of interest to undertake the design and build of the new website for Trent Park House Museum. Working closely with our project team on the design and content of the new website, phase one of this delivery will see the implementation of the new website for the museum using the new brand identity currently being developed, as well as showcasing project work with community engagement, oral history collecting and the school’s programme. The website is an important and vital shop window for the project, encouraging supporters from local communities to funding bodies to help the project succeed.

The new website will be the main museum site. Content will be transferred from the existing website as well looking for innovative ways to present the further content being generated from the wider project team including oral histories, the school’s programme and digital footage. It will link with social media platforms and help drive traffic to encourage visitors to connect with the fascinating history of the house, widening the supporter base in advance of the opening in 2025. The content management system will need to be flexible to allow for further development to support the functions required as the museum gets closer to opening its doors to the public.

Phase two will start in early 2024. It will take place as a separate phase and is not included in this Expression of Interest or Invitation to Tender. This second phase will see wider development of the museum website including the supporter base and membership schemes, the commercial offer which includes the online shop and eventually corporate hire, the schools and learning programme bookings, and later, ticketing facilities for visitors.

Expected Features:

Working closely in collaboration on the design, we anticipate the key needs of the website will be:

·       Site structure ready for museum opening, such as visitor information, bookings

·       Development of static site covering curatorial aspects we have been developing through 2023, including showcasing oral histories and learning programmes

·       Other content to engage visitors in order to help drive traffic and brand visibility; helping us to develop our social media presence (e.g. blog posts)

·       Information for potential volunteers or funders

·       Museum-standard accessibility standards

·       Review and approval process for CMS. This needs to be a popular CMS which the in-house communications team need to be able to update, as well as perhaps other developers as we grow the site over time.

Skills and Experience

·       Demonstrable track record building and supporting a site similar to as described. 

·       Expertise building a site for accessible audiences. 

·       Available references for similar clients. 

·       Capacity to deliver the site in by autumn 2023

For further information, please download the brief.

If you are interested to submit an Expression of Interest application, we’d love to hear from you. Please send an outline of your experience, details of your capability for delivery, ability for longer-term support and references for similar projects on no more than two pages of A4 to Kate Francis by email.

If you have any questions about the contract please contact Chezzy Brownen, Programme Manager by email. at chezzy.brownen@trentparkhouse.org.uk

The closing date for Expressions of Interest applications is Friday 26th May 2023.