Issue - meetings

Appendix 4 to the report is exempt from publication as it contains commercially confidential information (exempt under paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)).

The Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement introduced a report in respect of the procurement of a new provider to operate the Council’s Leisure Services contract which covered the management of Abbey Leisure Centre, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre and the Jim Peters Stadium.

The Cabinet Member advised that the Council’s existing operator had invoked a break clause in the current concession contract procured in 2017 and would be exiting the contract with effect from 14 September 2024.  Therefore, it was necessary to procure a new provider and the Cabinet Member outlined the key outcomes and deliverables under the new, maximum 15-year contract.

Cabinet Members spoke on the underlying reasons behind the existing provider’s decision to terminate the contract and the loss of income to the Council as a result.  It was recognised, however, that the retendering of the contract would provide opportunities to expand use of the facilities, especially those at the Jim Peters Stadium, by all sectors of the local community.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree that the Council proceeds with the procurement of a Leisure Services Contract in accordance with the strategy set out in the report; and

(ii)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, the Strategic Director, Finance and Investment and the Head of Legal Services, to conduct the procurement and award and enter into the contract(s) and all other necessary or ancillary agreements to fully implement and effect the proposals.