Purpose

The
report sets out proposals to extend the existing leisure contracts until March
2028, to develop a leisure contract procurement strategy and agree to procure a
single leisure operator contract subject to the finalisation of the Leisure
Strategy in March 2026.

Content

(i)     
That the
procurement of a single leisure contract operator, be agreed and Max Associates
be recommissioned to develop the Dorset Leisure Centres Procurement Strategy
required to achieve this.

 

(ii)    That the Dorset Leisure Centres Procurement Strategy
be brought back to Cabinet for consideration and final approval of the
strategy’s recommendations in September 2026.

 

(iii)   That the Service Manager for Leisure, Arts and
Cultural Services be authorised to agree contract extensions for Ferndown
Leisure Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre and Dorchester Sports Centre for a
further 2 years from the 1 April 2026 with an option for a further 1 year.

 

Reason for the decision

 

Procuring a single leisure contractor was best able to meet Council
priorities and financial goals. A procurement strategy would set the timetable,
tendering approach, service specifications, and risk management. Extending
current contracts ensured centres stayed open during this process and
transition.