URL: https://wyre.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=780

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To request approval for the appointment of a provider to manage the new Leisure Contract

Content: Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder, Councillor Lesley McKay, Resources Portfolio Holder and Marianne Hesketh, Director of Communities submitted a report to provide an overview of the leisure contract procurement exercise and outcome, with a recommendation to enter into a new contract from 1 April 2026 with the preferred bidder, Parkwood Leisure.   Councillor Bowen introduced the report.   Councillor Vincent expressed his appreciation to the officers and consultants for their contributions.   Councillor Bowen and Councillor Vincent responded to a question from Councillor Moliner regarding the current membership pricing only remaining for year one.   Carol Southern and Councillor Vincent responded to a question from Councillor Moliner regarding if the current wellbeing sessions, ran by a volunteer, would continue.   Councillor Vincent responded to a question from Councillor Fail regarding the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) transfers for staff.   Clare and Councillor Vincent responded to a question from Councillor Fail regarding the £2 million Leisure Management Reserve investment fund which had been allocated by the council.   Decision   Cabinet agreed:   That approval is given to award the Leisure Contract to the Preferred Leisure Provider, Parkwood Leisure as set out in Appendix A and B, (both exempt) for an initial 15-year contract period with the option to extend by a further five years. (Appendix A gives details of the financial implications for the council. Appendix B sets out an overview of the procurement process, including development of the Procurement Strategy, the different stages of the tender process, the evaluation of bid submissions and the identification of a preferred bidder. It also includes a summary of key features from the Parkwood Leisure’s tender submission).

Date of Decision: November 26, 2025