A MULTI-million pound project to improve facilities at Alice Holt Forest took another leap forward this week after The Forestry Commission began its search for an operator to run its new cafe building.

Bidders for the contract, which forms part of the commission’s £2.3m planned improvements at the attraction, have been given a deadline of Monday,

October 24, to submit their business plans for the new catering facility.

It is hoped that the new building, which will replace the existing cafe on the site and will be located adjacent to the existing visitor centre, will open in early 2017.

Once completed, it will double the seating capacity of the cafe to more than 100 seats inside and 120 outside. Other improvements include more car parking spaces including purpose-built disabled parking.

Questions related to the catering contract should be directed to the Forestry Commission’s agents, Stonesmith, on 01392 201262 or by e-mailing [email protected].