Rushmoor Borough Council - Leisure Centre Operator - Preliminary Market Engagement March 2025

Rushmoor Borough Council - the 'Council' - is seeking to engage with suitably experienced leisure facility operators for Preliminary Market Engagement in respect of a forthcoming contracting opportunity for the operation of a planned new leisure centre at Farnborough. The contracting opportunity will also encompass operation of the Councils existing leisure centre and lido facilities located in Aldershot.

As detailed within a recent report taken to the Council's Cabinet on 11th February 2025 - see link below to the report - the Council has a number of key decisions to make in the coming months in respect of the final design, business case, programme and operating model for the new leisure centre.

https://democracy.rushmoor.gov.uk/documents/s14891/REG2501 - Farnborough Leisure Centre Next Steps.pdf

Prior to undertaking the formal procurement process which is currently targeted for commencement in April / May 2025 the Council is seeking to undertake preliminary market engagement discussions with suitably experienced operators to review in summary:

• Design & Facilities Mix
• Operations, Costs & Demand
• Commercial Arrangements & Financing
• Risk, Contract Form & Contract Duration
• Procurement Process & Programme

The Council will run an on-line briefing via TEAMS on Tuesday 25th February 2025 between 15:00 and 16:00 where further information will be shared in relation to the design of the new centre, new centre opportunity analysis, current business case, operator specification, contractual terms, etc. Following the briefing the Council will then undertake 1-1 discussions with suitably experienced operators between Tuesday 1st April - Thursday 3rd April 2025.

The Council has 6 slots available in total which will be allocated on a first come first served basis to operators who can certify that they can evidence stated levels of minimum experience which include for but are not limited to:

• Mobilisation of operations at a new facility which is similar in size and scope to the Council's envisaged new centre
• Providing a significant income stream to the client
• Providing a balanced programme of activities to maximise participation, engagement, physical activity and reduce health inequalities
• Partnership working and open book accounting
• Managing a facility which includes for a swimming pool of no less than 25m length
• Operating a leisure facility on a full repair & lease basis
• Operating a leisure facility on a concession model where the operator takes risk for demand

Operators who are interested in attending the briefing session and a subsequent 1-1 meeting must complete and return Expression of Interest, Conflict of Interest Statement and Non-Disclosure Agreement by no later than 12:00 Monday 24th February 2025 via the Council's Pro-Contract e-sourcing system.

Operators are required to state which meeting slots they are able to attend and state order of preference for the dates and times available within their completed Expression of Interest form. Operators will be allocated their preferred slots wherever possible but priority will be given on a first come first served basis. Should more than 6 compliant applications be received by the deadline stated above the 6 slots will be allocated to operators in order of receipt from earliest first.

Further details in respect of the briefing session, detailed agenda, booking instructions, date & time slots, Council team, Pro-Contract e-sourcing system access & operation, clarification protocols, etc. can be found in the Briefing & supporting documentation on the Council 's procurement administrative e-sourcing portal ProContract/SEBP which can be accessed via https://sebp.due-north.com/.