Waverley Borough Council – Leisure Procurement Support

Waverley Borough Council commissioned SLC in March 2022 to support the procurement of a new leisure management contract. SLC had previously supported the Council in exploring investment options across its portfolio, including a feasibility study on development of a new facility in Cranleigh.

The existing leisure contract with Places Leisure ended in June 2023 after a period of 25 years.

SLC provided ‘end to end’ support throughout the procurement process, through delivery of the following staged workstreams.

Pre-Procurement Support

SLC worked with the Programme Working Group to identify the service-specific Strategic Objectives which would direct and guide the future delivery of its leisure services. A thorough review of the existing contract was undertaken to understand existing arrangements and areas for improvement in the new contract.

SLC developed a robust procurement strategy, informed by market insight and presenting an optimal balance of risk to ensure the opportunity was attractive to the operator market. A services specification was developed which reflected the new strategic approach including requirement for a new Active Communities Programme of outreach interventions targeted at less active residents. SLC developed all tender documents including the services specification, Invitation to Tender, Risk Allocation Matrix and supported legal colleagues to develop the new Contract in accordance with the Sport England template.

Procurement Process

SLC supported the Council throughout the procurement process, helping with responses to clarification questions, evaluating bids, facilitating bidder meetings and providing analysis and advice on financial submissions.

Project Outcome

Following the comprehensive and robust tender process, the new 10-year Active Communities Leisure Management Contract was awarded to Everyone Active.

On 1 July 2023, Everyone Active took on the management of Haslemere Leisure Centre, Godalming Leisure Centre, Farnham Leisure Centre and Cranleigh Leisure Centre (new Cranleigh Leisure Centre due to open by July 2026).

In addition to this, Everyone Active will be working with the Council and wider stakeholders to design and deliver a new Active Communities Programme. This new outreach programme will deliver activities outside of the core facilities within community settings, parks and open spaces to enable residents to be more active in local places.

The new operator will also support the delivery of a new replacement facility in Cranleigh and extended and improved facilities at Farnham and Godalming Leisure Centres. These developments will ensure an exciting and sustainable future for active wellbeing services across the Borough.

TESTIMONIAL