Decision details

To agree the approach to the tendering of the new Leisure Management Contract and a short term extension to the current Leisure Management contract with SLM to allow the procurement process for the new contract to complete.

(1)        That, as recommended by the Portfolio Holder Advisory Group for Leisure Management, the Business Case and Procurement Strategy for the Council’s new Leisure Management Contract be agreed, which would:

            (a)        be through a Design, Build, Operate and Manage contract for a period        of 20 years and deliver a new build replacement for Waltham Abbey    Swimming Pool;

            (b)        be based on the affordability levels identified seeking to maximise   return on investment;

            (c)        consider a detailed variant Business Case to include operating costs         for a potential new Leisure Centre development at North Weald, with the            option to either replace or retain Ongar and Epping Sports Centres;

            (d)        enable the market to present options which were commercially more         favourable to the Council; and

            (e)        utilise the evaluation criteria within the Procurement Strategy to select        the best future management partner; and

(2)        That, in accordance with the Business Case and Procurement Strategy, the existing Leisure Management Contract with Sports & Leisure Management Limited be extended by one year from 3 January 2016 on the existing terms and conditions, and with a three month break clause included.