Decision Maker: Executive, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 17, 2025

Purpose: To consider the Leisure Management Contract.

Content: Decision: 1.   Subject to Full Council approval of the capital investment; to enter a Leisure Operating Contract and any other legal agreements (including the associated leases) with Wealden Leisure Ltd. (trading as Freedom Leisure) as the?Operator to deliver leisure services at Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido, and Ash Manor Sports Centre from 1 November 2025 for a term of 10 years, with up to 5 years further extension period; and 2.    That the Executive recommend that full Council (meeting on 29 July 2025) resolve: To approve a £9.98m capital investment for the delivery of a capital works programme to enhance the facilities at Guildford Spectrum and Guildford Lido as part of the contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd. (trading as Freedom Leisure). Reason(s): 1.       The current Leisure Partnership Agreement (LPA) with Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) dated 1 November 2011, has been extended twice and is due to expire on 31 October 2025. There are no grounds to extend the current contract further and therefore the Council has re-tendered (through a competitive procurement process as outlined in this report) to ensure the services can continue to be delivered for a term of 10 years from 1 November 2025.  2.       As part of the tender process, bidders were invited to outline proposals for capital investment which would enhance the service and facilities (including in relation to the Climate Action Plan) at the commencement and throughout the life of the contract. The capital investments set out in Freedom Leisure’s proposal underpin the growth in attendances and financial performance detailed in their tender submission, in addition to achieving key carbon reduction measures. The Council will receive additional revenue generated from the enhanced and improved facilities which will fund the capital investment programme. 3.       By extending the Lido’s operating hours, the facility will move from being a seasonal venue to an all-year-round leisure attraction, catering for cold-water swimming whilst also complementing other (non-pool) activities that are to be provided at the facility throughout the year. 4.       Whilst not considered as part of the evaluation and not being progressed at this stage, the Executive should note the content of the Agency Model (at Appendix 2) proposed by the successful bidder for potential consideration in the future Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: Options 1, 3 and 4. Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.