SLC is delighted to be working with Stevenage Borough Council on a major transformation programme designed to support the commissioning of future leisure, cultural and wellbeing services. The Council’s leisure service is currently managed under a contract which comes to an end in March 2023.

In accordance with Sport England’s Strategic Outcomes Planning Guidance and the new Leisure Services Delivery Guidance, the Council is taking the opportunity to undertake a wholesale review of the service and to develop a new strategic approach to the design and delivery of the services over the next 10+ years.

Informed by widespread stakeholder and public engagement, the Council is seeking to develop a new vision and strategic outcomes for the service which reflect the changing needs of local communities, match the aspirations of a co-operative Council, and align with the regeneration and transformation of Stevenage town centre.

This critical first step of the commissioning journey is supported by a series of workstreams linked to the wider transformation programme, including:

  • A review of the scope of the services within the existing contract and consideration of options for the future delivery of these, alongside other related and complementary Council services
  • Support in identifying the optimal facility mix for the development of a new leisure and wellbeing facility to replace the existing Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre and Stevenage Swimming Centre
  • A management options appraisal comparing the relative advantages and disadvantages of delivering these services under different management models
  • Support for the commissioning and mobilisation of future management arrangements.

The programme is being led by SLC Director, Toby Kingsbury who said:

“We’re thrilled to be working with Stevenage Borough Council again having supported them previously with a feasibility study on replacement leisure facilities and in managing the impact of COVID-19. This programme is a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine and reset their services to ensure they are meeting the needs of less active people and optimising their impact upon local health and wellbeing outcomes.”

Cllr Richard Henry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture said:

“We’re very pleased to have SLC on board to support the Council through this critical programme of work. Being physically and culturally active has never been so important and we want to ensure we design and deliver inclusive and innovative services that have a positive long-term impact upon the health of Stevenage residents.”