Purpose

As part of the annual review of fees and
charges Parkwood Leisure in negotiation with Crawley Borough
Council provides updated figures for the forthcoming financial
year. For 2026/27 year a proposed revision has been made to the
structure of some of the fees and charges.

The revision is to create a packaged pricing structure covering
large scale hires of The Hawth facilities including the Main
Auditorium and The Studio. These areas are generally hired for
performance space which requires technical assistance and is for
multiple hours.

The current pricing structure makes it difficult for hirers to work
out their costs as there are several single line items from the
current structure required for hire of these areas. By bringing
these into a package price it makes the charges clearer and more
accurate at a glance.

Increases to fees and charges can be approved by negotiation with
CBC officers and in consultation of the Portfolio Holder for
Leisure and Wellbeing.

Content

Option 1 - Create a packaged pricing structure for
larger scale hires of Hawth facilities and approve negotiated rate
increases for 2026/27

This operational decision supports the introduction of a
simplified, risk-managed, and usage-aligned hire structure at The
Hawth Theatre. In consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure
and Wellbeing the proposed ‘package deals’ to be
adopted along with the negotiated rate increases for 2026/27. These
will be communicated to hirers in advance of the formal budget
approval cycle to support planning and continuity.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - Create a packaged pricing structure
for larger scale hires of Hawth facilities and approve negotiated
rate increases for 2026/27

The option seeks to simplify pricing and improve operational safety
and efficiency.

Package Pricing

• Removal of hourly hire rates for main areas such as the Main
Auditorium and Studio.
• Introduction of a 12-hour package that includes:
• Venue hire
• Dressing rooms
• Technical staff (e.g. lighting/sound desk operators),
required to ensure operation of equipment by qualified, trained
personnel. Reduces risk of damage to council-owned equipment.

Simplified Pricing structure:
• Reduces complexity for hirers by consolidating multiple
non-negotiable line items.
• Improves transparency and planning for community groups and
event organisers.
• The pricing has been benchmarked against current fees and
charges and offers a cost reduction compared to itemised pricing
against full use of the facilities included.

Alignment with Usage Patterns:
• Main areas are typically used for full-day events rather
than short hires.
• A 12-hour package reflects operational demand and staffing
availability within safe working practices.

Fees and Charges Approval Timing Considerations

Fees and charges approvals at this stage rather than in February
enables hirers to consider financial requirements and confirm
bookings for the forthcoming year in a timely manner. This supports
business continuity and customer confidence.

Option 2 - Retain current pricing structure and approve negotiated
rate increases for 2026/27

This continues the current pricing structure which creates
ambiguity and creates risk in terms of use of equipment. It also
continues the current practice of unclear pricing for large hires
and clarifies the areas of use required. For example, if hiring the
Main Auditorium, the dressing rooms are not available for hire by
other groups.