Purpose

To consider the Leisure
Management Contract.

Content

Decision:

1.   Subject to Full Council approval of the
capital investment; to enter a Leisure Operating Contract and any
other legal agreements (including the associated leases) with
Wealden Leisure Ltd. (trading as Freedom Leisure) as the?Operator
to deliver leisure services at Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido,
and Ash Manor Sports Centre from 1 November 2025 for a term of 10
years, with up to 5 years further extension period; and

2.
   That the Executive recommend
that full Council (meeting on 29 July 2025) resolve: To approve
a £9.98m capital investment for the delivery of a capital
works programme to enhance the facilities at Guildford Spectrum and
Guildford Lido as part of the contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd.
(trading as Freedom Leisure).
Reason(s):

1.      
The
current Leisure Partnership Agreement (LPA) with Greenwich Leisure
Ltd (GLL) dated 1 November 2011, has been extended twice and is due
to expire on 31 October 2025. There are no grounds to extend the
current contract further and therefore the Council has re-tendered
(through a competitive procurement process as outlined in this
report) to ensure the services can continue to be delivered for a
term of 10 years from 1 November 2025. 

2.      
As part of
the tender process, bidders were invited to outline proposals for
capital investment which would enhance the service and facilities
(including in relation to the Climate Action Plan) at the
commencement and throughout the life of the contract. The capital
investments set out in Freedom Leisure’s proposal underpin
the growth in attendances and financial performance detailed in
their tender submission, in addition to achieving key carbon
reduction measures. The Council will receive additional revenue
generated from the enhanced and improved facilities which will fund
the capital investment programme.

3.      
By
extending the Lido’s operating hours, the facility will move
from being a seasonal venue to an all-year-round leisure
attraction, catering for cold-water swimming whilst also
complementing other (non-pool) activities that are to be
provided at the facility throughout the year.

4.      
Whilst not
considered as part of the evaluation and not being progressed at
this stage, the Executive should note the content of the Agency
Model (at Appendix 2) proposed by the successful bidder for
potential consideration in the future
Other options considered and rejected by the
Executive:
Options 1, 3 and 4.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or
lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.