Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning the future Golden Lane Leisure Centre (GLLC) management contract. The current contract ends on 31 March 2026 and a period of refurbishment at the centre will follow.

It was proposed that a competitive tender process be undertaken to secure the future management of GLLC. The process will aim to secure the most advantageous arrangement for the Corporation in terms of both quality of service and commercial terms. The process would also allow for the development of an internally led bid to be assessed alongside external submissions. It was noted that Members of the Sports Sounding Board had suggested exploring a quasi-internal bid from one of the Corporation’s natural environment charities, such as Hampstead Heath, which already manages sports facilities and could benefit from charitable tax relief.

Concerns were raised by a Member regarding the performance of the current contract. Officers acknowledged issues but noted the challenges arising from the deterioration of the centre, and several short term contract extension leading to lack of long-term certainty for the provider. Officers acknowledged these issues and emphasised that the new contract would include more robust KPIs and allow for enforcement mechanisms.

Members stressed the importance of ensuring that future arrangements include enforceable standards and protections for community use. Officers confirmed that the new contract would be developed in consultation with Members, particularly through the Sports Sounding Board, to ensure that specifications reflect the needs of users and provide appropriate safeguards.

The Committee endorsed the proposed approach to outsourcing the management of the centre, including the option for a hybrid or internal bid to be evaluated alongside external tenders.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.