ORGANISATIONS looking to bid for the lease of Lydiard Park and House have been told they have more time after the deadline was extended by two months.

Some of the prospective bidders have expressed a wish for more detailed information, focusing on the listed house and other buildings on the site, which will be made available during the process so it can be considered in their submissions if appropriate.

Councillors approved the request which was made through Bilfinger GVA, the independent property advisor appointed to identify a joint venture partner, tenant or tenants for the council-owned park with the aim to reduce its annual subsidy of £450,000.

The window for bids, which opened in February, will now close on July 8.

Expressions of interest from national, commercial and not-for-profit bodies as well as local community groups were invited last year, resulting in nine organisations declaring an interest and going on to meet with the council individually to discuss their proposals in more detail.

Among the bidders is a trust made up of locals while Twigmarket, which runs the Broome Manor golf course, has also expressed an interest in taking on part or all of the historic site.

Lydiard House and Park, which has been listed as an Asset of Community Value, will remain in council ownership and £850,000 has been allocated to assist any successful bidder with the current maintenance backlog for the site.

Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member responsible for Lydiard, said: “We are committed to both preserving and enhancing the park for the people of Swindon.

“Helping ensure prospective bidders are as informed as possible about this historic site is important, which is why we’re happy to provide them with the additional detail requested to inform and refine their proposals.

“The range of expressions of interest was encouraging and we look forward to receiving formal bids, which will safeguard a more sustainable future for Lydiard so everyone can continue to enjoy it now and for generations to come.”