The Library is seeking a catering partner for the many significant events undertaken and a cafe operator to run the library's new cafe.

Project goals

The Library is seeking a long-term strategic partner(s) who values excellence, innovation, and community engagement. A partner who will collaborate with us to elevate the Library's reputation as a premier destination for corporate functions, cultural events, and daily inspiration. This RFT presents two distinct but interconnected business opportunities:

1. A Catering Partner: To manage and grow our significant events business, from grand events in the Paintings Galleries to corporate conferences in our Library Auditorium.

2. A Flagship Café Operator: To establish and run a vibrant new café at the heart of the Library, serving our diverse community of readers, visitors, and employee’s.

Tenderers may bid for one or both opportunities. Our goal is to forge a partnership(s) built on a shared vision for quality, growth, excellent customer service and a commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences. Together, we will create a thriving hospitality business that enhances the Library’s cultural impact, drives an increase in visitors to the Library and delivers mutual financial success.

Scope

This Request for Tender comprises two separate elements consisting of:

Catering Services: to provide catering at the numerous events undertaken by the Library and venue hire clients. An example of these are:

     o Library Programs: Community-focused events, public and learning programs.

     o Stakeholder Events: Hosted by the Library, Library Board, sponsors, and partners.

     o Sponsored Events: Community groups or Non-For-Profit where catering requirements typically include morning teas, cocktail receptions, and banquets.

     o Commercial Events: Functions, conferences, weddings, and private/corporate events.

Café Operations: to operate the new Library Café, expected to be opened late 2025. The café will be fully furnished, with the operator required to provide cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, coffee machines and other ancillary equipment. This café is envisioned as a vibrant, welcoming space that will serve as a key amenity for readers, visitors, staff, and the broader community. Located in a high-traffic area with excellent visibility and accessibility, the café offers a unique opportunity to create a destination that complements the character and purpose of the Library.

Related files

• SLNSW25-09 Contract catering and cafe.pdf (1523 KB)
• SLNSW25-09 Catering and Cafe Services - Response Document.docx (130 KB)
• Cafe plans_Elevations_equipment_list.pdf (3326 KB)
• Library-Cafe-DA-approval-and-PoM.pdf (760 KB)
• SLNSW-Venues-Equipment-Furniture-List-and-LG1-floorplan-with-kitchen.pdf (5403 KB)
• SLNSW_BrandGuidelines_FULL.pdf (5771 KB)
• Library Cafe DA approval and PoM.pdf (760 KB)
• SLNSW-Venues-Equipment-Furniture-List-and-LG1-floorplan-with-kitchen.pdf (5403 KB)
• SLNSW Venues, Equipment, Furniture List and LG1 floorplan with kitchen.pdf (5403 KB)
• SLNSW25-09 - Catering and Cafe tender and requirements.pdf (3262 KB)

Additional details/instructions

A tender briefing will be held at:

2:00 PM Wednesday 3 September 2025

Michael Crouch Room, Level 1 (Ask for directions at the information desk)

Mitchell Building, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney

Requirements

Mandatory requirements

A. Modern slavery 

Food - Catering services

This procurement category has a heightened risk of modern slavery.

You will be asked to provide information about modern slavery risks in your business and any actions you have taken to address these. You can visit the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s GRS webpage for more information.

Do you agree to provide this information?

Response type

Checkbox (Agree)

Opportunity requirements

1. Catering and Cafe - Tender and Requirements Statement

Tender and Requirements Statement

Response type

• File upload (Multiple, with expiry date)

Response templates

• SLNSW25-09 Catering and Cafe Services - Response Document.docx (130 KB)

Evaluation

Assessment Criteria

General assessment criteria that was used to evaluate this opportunity

• Capability
• Financial capacity
• Price
• Innovation
• Social outcomes
• Compliance
• Experience
• Organisational capacity
• Methodology

Terms and conditions

Global terms and conditions

• buy NSW Tenders Terms and Conditions (210 KB)

Notices

• No notices have been posted for this opportunity.

Amendments

• No amendments have been made to this opportunity