A year-round sauna at the Wyre Forest
We are seeking interested parties to provide and operate a quality, year-round sauna at the Wyre Forest to enhance the health and wellbeing offer. This will be on a trial basis starting summer 2026, running for a maximum of 2.5 years duration.
The offer should appeal to Forest visitors, local residents and sauna enthusiasts. The Wyre Forest visitor site attracts in excess of 300,000 visits each year and lies close to the towns of Bewdley and Kidderminster https://www.forestryengland.uk/wyre-forest
Please note that the operator must:
- apply for planning permission for the sauna and be responsible for any associated surveys and their costs.
- run, as a minimum, 4 days a week (including both weekend days)
- operate a friendly meet and greet service.
- advertise largely through their own social media channels and website.
- report participation and financial figures monthly to Forestry England.
- pay base rent and a percentage turnover for the license agreement with Forestry England.
The estimated annual turnover value to the operator is anticipated to be c£75k. NB this is a trial to determine the viability and value of a sauna offer at the site.
There is potential for an existing building to be used for the offer, with a metered water supply and grey water disposal. Accompanied site viewings are recommended.
Contract dates (estimated)
August 1 2026 to January 31 2029
Expression of interest deadline
March 11 2026 at 12pm
How to apply
Interested parties should provide brief feedback on the best viable sauna option that can be operated at the Wyre and send to judith.lack@forestryengland.uk marked ‘Wyre Sauna trial’
Site viewings can be arranged by contacting wyre@forestryengland.uk
Forestry England will collate and consider all feedback and use this to inform next steps. If necessary, based on the level of interest generated from the EOI, we will then run a further Invitation to Quote process, where interested parties will be given the opportunity to submit more detailed proposals.