Decision

RESOLVED

i)               That the findings of the Active Wellbeing – Leisure Centres Investment Options Study and the Investment Options Briefing Paper as contained in exempt Appendices B and C to this report; Page 27 Agenda Item 7 be noted;

ii)              That the commencement of a procurement process for a new leisure management contract for the Council’s leisure centres (‘the procurement process’) be agreed;

iii)             That the Procurement Strategy for the procurement process (to include the outline tender requirements) as contained in exempt Appendix D to this report be approved;

iv)             That authority be delegated to the Director of Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces to agree the initial tender requirements (building on the approved outline tender requirements) as part of the procurement process;

v)              That authority be delegated to the Director of Communities and the Director of Resources (and/or Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to agree the revised tender requirements as part of the procurement process;

vi)             That authority be delegated to the Head of Leisure and Culture to agree all other activity relating to the procurement process with the exception of the contract award; and

vii)           To agree, in principle, to investment of up to the amount stated in exempt Appendix A in the Council’s leisure centres (subject to (i) final approval prior to the contract award and (ii) Full Council approval of the associated budget).

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

i)               To agree, in principle, to make a budget of up to the amount stated in exempt Appendix A available for investment in the Council’s leisure centres.

REASONS

i)               Ensure the Council is able to secure a sustainable long term future operating model for leisure services beyond 2027.

ii)              Respond to increasing demand for leisure provision.

iii)             Support delivery of the Active Wellbeing Strategy.

iv)             Test the affordability and benefits of proposed investment schemes through a competitive procurement process.

v)              Help position the leisure service positively in advance of Local Government Reorganisation.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFED IN THE REPORT

i)      Maintaining the current portfolio without investment was considered but rejected as it would not address existing capacity constraints, aging infrastructure or future population growth. It would also not propose a solution for the Broadbridge Heath running track.

ii)     Expansion at Billingshurst Leisure Centre was considered but discounted due to severe physical site constraints and poor value-for-money prospects.

iii)     An Open Procurement Procedure was considered but is not recommended because it would not provide sufficient flexibility to test investment options, negotiate service requirements or refine proposals through dialogue with bidders