Purpose

To seek approval for budget expenditure of £788,108 to replace gym equipment at Lodge Park Sports Centre and Corby East Midlands International Pool. 

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

i)  Approves the procurement of replacement gym equipment for Corby East Midlands International Pool and Lodge Park Sports Centre.

ii)  Delegates authority to the Director for Communities and Leisure in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, Housing and Leisure to undertake the necessary activity to procure the new contract.

Reason for Recommendations: The recommended procurement of a hire purchase contract for the equipment is the most cost-effective. The replacement equipment is essential to support health and wellbeing outcomes for residents of North Northamptonshire, enable continued income generation through membership sales, and has been identified as a priority within the North Northamptonshire Council Leisure Facilities Strategy 2024–2041.

Alternative Options Considered: Not replacing the equipment is not recommended as it risks the existing equipment becoming unsafe for use and therefore not available to our residents to use. This in turn will affect ability to deliver the NN Leisure service effectively and to sustain income levels. Funding through direct capital investment has been considered but is not recommended as the ‘leasing’ costs can be supported through income generated from leisure membership sales.