The Officer Executive Decisions of Hackney Council are scheduled to consider a proposal for a new contract to manage and develop tennis facilities across the borough. The meeting documents outline the planned procurement process for this contract.

Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development

The primary item scheduled for discussion concerns the procurement of a new Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development Concession Contract. The report pack details plans to initiate an Open Procedure tender process for this contract, which is intended to cover the management of facilities including the Clissold Park Tennis Pavilion and tennis courts located in various parks across Hackney. These parks include Joe White Gardens, Hackney Downs, London Fields, Millfields, and Springfield Park.

The proposed contract duration is an initial period of five years, with an option to extend for a further two years. The estimated value of the new contract over its seven-year term is £6,720,000 (inclusive of VAT). This model operates as a concession, meaning the appointed provider will collect income from users and pay a concession fee to the Council. The report suggests this approach transfers financial risk to the operator while providing a stable income stream for the Council.

The procurement is intended to secure a partner capable of managing and operating the facilities, promoting tennis development, and delivering a Tennis Development Plan for the borough. The report highlights that the current contract with Hackney Tennis has seen sustained growth in bookings and customer numbers, with high user satisfaction.

The proposed approach aligns with Hackney Council's strategic objectives, including the 'Community Strategy 2018–28' and the 'Hackney Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026', aiming to foster healthy, active residents and promote community cohesion. The report also outlines the strategic context, benefits, and risks associated with the proposed procurement, including considerations for sustainability, social value, and equality impact.

The report details several options that were considered and rejected, including maintaining the status quo with the current operator, bringing the service in-house, tendering in separate lots, and closing the service. The preferred option is to procure through an open tender process, which is deemed to ensure value for money through competition. The report also mentions consultation with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the incumbent provider.

The decision documents indicate that the Officer Executive Decisions are recommended to approve the commencement of the tender process. The subsequent contract award would then be presented to the Corporate Procurement and Insourcing Committee (CPIC) for approval.