Purpose

The Sport and Leisure Service want to offer an
additional children’s activity for Clacton Leisure Centre,
specifically available for children’s parties but could be
utilised for school events, holiday clubs, birthday parties and
community activities. This will attract additional members of the
community to book events with the leisure centre, improve physical
activities amongst children, and encourage inclusive play. Airquee
were the only supplier to bid for this inflatable after 3 rounds of
the initial RFQ process, where the 1st two rounds there was no bids
submitted.

Content

A)Tendring District Council is to enter into
one-off purchase order with Airquee Inflatables, to purchase a
3-part inflatable Jungle Lair for Clacton Leisure Centre, to be
used to offer further children’s activities aimed at older
children of 8+ for £11,870.
B)The use of revenue budgets for this procurement is aligned with
the financial planning and governance framework of Tendring
District Council. Specifically, the expenditure will be drawn from
the approved Revenue Budget as set out in the General Fund Budget
and Council Tax report, which was formally adopted by Full Council
during the budget-setting process

Alternative options considered

The alternative option would be to look at
different style or size inflatables or to not continue with the
purchase of an inflatable at all. This was rejected based on the
initial market researched that went into scoping the initial
specification. Clacton Leisure Centre already has 2 smaller
inflatables aimed at younger ages, and the aim for this
specification is those that are 8+. If this was not purchased at
all, it would limit the activities that can be offered to children
in those age groups and miss the opportunity to enhance physical
activity via play as well as reducing the appeal of activities
aimed at older children.