Mobile concessions in parks and open spaces

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to operators both within and outside the borough, who can provide high-quality services that enhance the visitor experience in a park or green space setting.

These could include coffee carts, flower stalls, mobile food and drink offers, and other suitable concession proposals.

Self-sufficiency

Water and electricity is not provided. Operators must be fully self-sufficient, including:

Power supply (power arrangements to be agreed)
Water supply
Waste and recycling removal

Restrictions

The following are not permitted:

Sale of alcohol or tobacco products
Ice cream vendors
Marketing or promotional activities
Subletting of pitches
Sale of general or other goods

Environmental standards

Mobile catering operators are expected to demonstrate responsible sourcing and environmentally sustainable practices that support our wider commitments to climate, health, and community wellbeing.

Operators should be able to show how they:

Source food and goods responsibly
Minimise environmental impact
Reduce waste and carbon emissions
Support fair and ethical labour practices

Clean, environmentally responsible operation is mandatory. Failure to meet minimum standards for operating in a green space may result in termination of the concession.

Insurance

The following insurance is required for operators:

Public Liability - minimum £5 million per occurrence
Employer's Liability - minimum £10 million per occurrence (if applicable)
Motor Vehicle Insurance - Third party liability (as required)

Locations

Concessions are available in the following locations:

Barnes Green
Castelnau Recreation Ground
King Georges Field
Moormead and Bandy Recreation Ground
Mortlake Green
Murray Park
Small Profits Dock
Towpath Teddington Lock/Ham House

Locations not available:

Royal Parks
Richmond Green
Terrace Gardens
Richmond Riverside

Any sites situated on or within 7 metres of the highway will require an additional licence for street trading.

Other sites

If you are interested in a site not listed, please include this in your application, however not all sites will be suitable.

Hours of operation

Up to 7 days per week are available, at 8 to 12 hours per day. This is subject to daylight and park opening hours.

The minimum requirement is 4 hours per day, 2 days per week.

Operators must vacate the site at the end of each trading day, with no onsite storage to be provided.

All operating hours are subject to alteration at our discretion and may change without prior notice.

Fees

Successful applicants will be required to pay a fee to operate a concession.

Fees will be determined based on the proposed location, operating hours, frequency of trading and the type of concession being operated.

How to apply

Interested providers should submit the form to express interest in operating a mobile concession in a Richmond park or open space.

You'll need to provide:

Your contact details
Your preferred site
Detail about your business, including information about your vehicle or stall, the cuisine you'll be selling, and the type of equipment you'll be operating
Your prior experience of running a concession stand (if applicable)
Your proposed operating hours
Detail on how you'll manage waste and litter

Submit your expression of interest

Application outcome

Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis and assessed for suitability. We will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application.

Disclaimer

We reserve the right to suspend or close any concession at any time, at our discretion. This will be reflected in the contract.

Submission of an application does not create any right or entitlement to operate a mobile concession in Council-managed parks or open spaces.

We retain absolute discretion to approve or refuse applications and are not obliged to provide reasons. Meeting published criteria does not guarantee approval.

Up to: Parks and open spaces

Updated: 15 October 2026