URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1998

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Cabinet will be asked to approve the recommission and procurement of front of house services at Chester Market (Northgate Development) for a 3-year period with an option to extend for 1 year plus 1 year.   Services within the contract include: cleaning and clearing of Market dining area, cleaning of WC facilities, utensil cleaning and restocking of utensil for Food and Beverage tenants, provision of security staffing and other front of house duties to ensure a positive customer experience.

Content: Cabinet will be asked to approve the recommission and procurement of front of house services at Chester Market (Northgate Development) for a 3-year period with an option to extend for 1 year plus 1 year.   Services within the contract include: cleaning and clearing of Market dining area, cleaning of WC facilities, utensil cleaning and restocking of utensil for Food and Beverage tenants, provision of security staffing and other front of house duties to ensure a positive customer experience. Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Economy and Housing concerning the recommission of the Front Of House (FOH) services for Chester Market (Northgate Development) for a period of 3 years commencing 1 April 2026, with an option to extend for 2 years.   Cabinet noted that Chester Market had been visited by 6.5 million people in a welcoming and inclusive space, and continued to exceed expectations. The Front of House service was noted as critical to the running of Chester Market with the service having provided cleaning and re-stocking of toilet facilities; cleaning of the dining areas, dishwashing and all floor staff and security staff for special events and busier periods. This service was provided as part of the lease agreement, with the Council being the landlord of market tenants. A three-year contract, with the option to extend for up to two years would allow Market Officers a sufficient period of time to embed further the Market Front of House services on a consistent basis with a single service provider to maximise the benefit of the service to Chester Market.    Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.   Visiting Members: Councillor Lynn Gibbon spoke in relation to the item.   Cabinet welcomed the report and was pleased that the market revenue had  exceeded all expectations and could be seen as a significant success. The Front of House Service could be viewed as an ‘invisible part’ of the Market service but would have been noticed very quickly if it had not delivered well. Members recognised the value of providing this service.     DECIDED:    That   1)            the recommission and procurement of the Front Of House service at Chester Market (Northgate Development) for a period of 3 years commencing 1 April 2026, with an option to extend the contract for a total period of 2 years, be approved in principle; and 2)            the Executive Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, be delegated authority to agree the procurement and contract terms and to enter into all necessary agreements to give effect to this recommission.   Reason for Decision   As set out in detail in section 3 of the report (paragraphs 3.1 to 3.7).   Alternative Options   1)            Agree to the recommission of service for a 3-year contract with an option to extend up to two years. This is recommended and will offer the best value for money for the Council in terms of cost profile and officer time. 2)            Offer a shorter contract of two years. This requires greater Officer resource due to the increased number of procurement processes required, may negatively affect consistency of service delivery and suppliers may not wish to commit to a shorter contract. This is not recommended. 3)            Bring the service in-house; due to time constraints it is not possible to effectively cost and model what an in-house service provision would look like. An initial high-level appraisal indicatively shows that the staffing costs to the Council have the potential to be higher than a FOH contract, due to additional oncosts if directly employed by the Council, and not providing the flexibility of staffing required. This is not recommended.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025