Purpose

The report sets out proposals to extend the existing leisure contracts until March 2028, to develop a leisure contract procurement strategy and agree to procure a single leisure operator contract subject to the finalisation of the Leisure Strategy in March 2026.

Decision

(i)      That the procurement of a single leisure contract operator, be agreed and Max Associates be recommissioned to develop the Dorset Leisure Centres Procurement Strategy required to achieve this.

(ii)    That the Dorset Leisure Centres Procurement Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for consideration and final approval of the strategy’s recommendations in September 2026.

(iii)   That the Service Manager for Leisure, Arts and Cultural Services be authorised to agree contract extensions for Ferndown Leisure Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre and Dorchester Sports Centre for a further 2 years from the 1 April 2026 with an option for a further 1 year.

Reason for the decision

Procuring a single leisure contractor was best able to meet Council priorities and financial goals. A procurement strategy would set the timetable, tendering approach, service specifications, and risk management. Extending current contracts ensured centres stayed open during this process and transition.