The Officer Executive Decisions of Hackney Council met on Monday 1 June 2026 to approve the commencement of a tender process for a new tennis facilities management and community tennis development concession contract. This decision aims to ensure continued high-quality service delivery and achieve best value through competition.

Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development Concession Contract

The meeting resolved to approve the commencement of an Open Procedure tender process for a new Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development Concession Contract. This contract will be for an initial period of five years, with an option to extend for a further two years. The subsequent contract award will be presented to the Corporate Procurement and Insourcing Committee (CPIC) for approval.

The purpose of this re-procurement is to ensure the continued high-quality management and operation of tennis facilities across the borough, including Clissold Park Tennis Pavilion and courts at Joe White Gardens, Hackney Downs, London Fields, Millfields, and Spring Hill Recreation Ground. The new contract aims to achieve best value for the Council through a competitive tendering process and to support the Council's strategic objectives for health, wellbeing, and community engagement.

The current contract model, where the appointed provider retains income generated from the service and pays a concession fee to the Council, will continue. This model places financial risk primarily with the operator while providing a stable income stream to the Council. The estimated contract value for the new seven-year period is £6,720,000 (including VAT).

The decision aligns with Hackney Council's strategic framework, specifically the 'A Place for Everyone' Community Strategy 2018–28, which aims to foster a borough with healthy, active, and independent residents. It also supports the Hackney Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026 by encouraging active lifestyles and promoting community cohesion. The procurement process will adhere to the Council's Contract Standing Orders and the Procurement Act 2023.

Several options were considered and rejected, including maintaining the status quo with the current operator, Hackney City Tennis Club, without competition, bringing the service in-house, tendering in separate lots, and closing the service entirely. Bringing the service in-house was rejected due to a perceived lack of in-house expertise, potential for increased costs, staffing complexities, and increased liability for the Council. Tendering in lots was deemed inefficient due to the operational interdependence of the services, and closure was rejected as it would result in the loss of a valued community service and contradict the Council's strategic objectives.

The procurement process is scheduled to begin with the publication of the tender notice in May 2026, with tender returns in June 2026, and a target contract commencement of October 2026. The contract will include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor service delivery, participation levels, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and the delivery of the Tennis Development Plan. Social value benefits, including increased access to sport, improved health and wellbeing, and targeted engagement with under-represented groups, are also key considerations.