Decision

The Director of Neighbourhood Services and
Interim S151 Officer approve the replacement of the existing gym
equipment across four sites under a new 3-year lease agreement, at
a total annual revenue cost of £293,325.

Having considered all available options including outright Capital
purchase, and 5-year leasing, the 3 year lease was identified as
the preferred option to manage costs and allow for contract
flexibility in the event that the Council should pursue an
alternative operating model for Active Wirral services. The 3 year
lease should broadly coincide with any procurement process and will
allow for a minimum remaining term, should any new operator install
an alternative preferred supplier. Notwithstanding, the Council
would require any alternative operator to novate any existing
equipment and contracts as part of its agreement. The leasing
option will also offset equipment annual repair and maintenance
costs by c.£80k p/a

Priority should be given to Guinea Gap and West Kirby, based on
health and safety concerns and high user demand respectively. The
age and condition of the equipment being well beyond its economic
life is creating a significant health and safety risk, against
which, the Council may not be able to provide a robust defence in
the event of user injury.

The leasing of new equipment is expected to increase annual income
by approximately £320,000 per annum which will cover the cost
of any lease. The supplier buyback of existing equipment is
expected to achieve a one off payment or offset of circa
£10,000 and repair and maintenance costs are expected to
reduce by approximately £80,000 per annum.

Reasons for the decision

The Invigor8 membership scheme is a Fitness
subscription that Wirral residents can purchase across the Active
Wirral estate, allowing access to Sports and Physical facilities
and activities operated by the local authority.

There are circa 12800 invigor8 members, 65-70% of all members
regularly use the gym as part of their membership package.

Invigor8 subscriptions generate a income receipt of circa
£4,000,000 per annum.

The gym equipment within the Fitness Suite at Guinea Gap has
reached the end of its operational life and is now the oldest
across our facilities. Multiple health and safety concerns have
been formally reported, highlighting the urgent need for
replacement. Continuing to operate with this outdated equipment
poses significant risks to both users and staff, potentially
leading to injury or service disruption. Immediate action is
required to replace the critical equipment to ensure compliance
with health and safety standards and to maintain public confidence
in the facility.

West Kirby Concourse also has aging equipment; there are
significant ongoing maintenance costs to keep the current equipment
operation. This facility has the highest recorded gym usage, with
3212 members in total, 2,409 active gym users, it is essential to
maintain high-quality, reliable equipment to meet user expectations
and continue strategic outcomes aligned to the council plan.
Renewal of the existing equipment and the additional space
generated from the pending creche closure will not only ensure
continuity of service but also enhance user satisfaction and
retention.

Leasowe and The Oval are in a comparable position to West Kirby,
with gym equipment now operating outside of warranty coverage. As a
result, annual maintenance costs are being incurred to sustain
service levels and ensure equipment safety and functionality. The
total maintenance expenditure across all relevant sites, including
Leasowe, The Oval, and Europa Pools amounts to £90,007 per
annum, renewable on 1st October 2025. This figure excludes Bidston,
which has recently undergone refurbishment and is therefore not
subject to the same maintenance pressures.

Active Wirral have a need to provide excellent facilities for
residents and visitors alike. That are clean, accessible, and
hygienic for all visitors, Wirral Residents, vulnerable adults and
young people.

This investment is projected to deliver a Return on Investment
(ROI) of 10%, reflecting both operational efficiencies and improved
user experience.

There is an anticipated saving of £12,500.00 over the minimum
contract term by entering into this contract, guiding against
inflationary price raises outside of a fixed contract
agreement.

The submitted price includes for removal, recycling of existing
equipment and delivery and installation of new equipment. A buyback
clause is also included in the lease agreement meaning the supplier
will buy back any leased equipment at 50% of its value in the event
that one or more Active Wirral sites were to be
decommissioned.

Alternative options considered

No other alternative options
considered.