Centres Where LC Have Lost
Contracts
This page
features Leisure Connection contracts that have been
terminated, not renewed or where LC has failed to get a contract after being
designated preferred bidder or partner. It also includes LC's failed PFI
bids. I have been asked
about the purpose of this page. See below
if you are interested.
Details of other
lost contracts sought. Please send to vilefirm2 "at" btinternet.com
Allerdale
ended 2004 Ards ended 2003
Babergh ended 2006 Berwick LC walked away in 2008 Cambourne LC failed to deliver its promise and a charity took over the development in 2009 Cheltenham ended 2003
Crystal Palace
ended 2004
Dartford
ended 2004 Daventry
ended 2006 Didcot / South
Oxford ended 2005 Ealing ended
2006
East Northamptonshire
ended 2003 Flitwick
ended 2004
Flintshire
non-starter 2003/2004 Fowey
ended 2003
Great
Yarmouth ended 2006 Hackney ended
2005 Harrow ended March 2011 Kerrier ended September Lambeth ended 2007 Lee Valley / Broxbourne ended 2008 Milton Keynes ended 2009 Rochford ended
2002 Rotherham Failed PFI bid April 2006
Three Rivers ended
2006 Tunbridge Wells ended
2006 South Norfolk ended
2007
St
Albans Tourism Office ended 2005 Salisbury 2004 Swale ended 2004 West Berkshire ended 2007 Wycombe
ended 2004
??? ended 2001
Allerdale
Borough Council Press Release 22/03/04 at http://www.allerdale.gov.uk/pressreleasestext.asp?PageID=36&prid=277
Detailed negotiations are progressing well over the new arrangements
for the operation of Allerdale Borough Council’s three leisure centres.
Allerdale Council members recently confirmed a recommendation from its
Leisure Services Task Group that the authority should enter into
partnership with Carlisle Leisure Ltd. for the future management of
Workington Leisure Centre and Pool, Cockermouth Sports Centre and
Keswick Leisure Pool...
At present, private sector operators Leisure Connection (Workington
Leisure Centre and Pool, and Cockermouth Sports Centre) and Parkwood
Leisure (Keswick Leisure Pool) operate the contracts to manage the
centres on the council’s behalf.
The new partnership arrangement, due to start on 1st April 2004... The
new partnering arrangement, fundamentally different to the old
contractor/client approach, would also mean that Allerdale residents
could take advantage of membership schemes relating to CLL facilities
in Carlisle.
Councillor John Colhoun, Allerdale Borough Council Executive Member
with responsibility for Leisure, said: “I am confident that the
partnership with Carlisle Leisure Limited will bring noticeable
benefits to more residents in Allerdale in the form of improved
facilities in the three leisure centres, greater opportunities from and
enjoyment of those facilities, and more chances to tell the staff at
the centres how those facilities can continue to improve”.
Jim Douglas, Managing Director of Carlisle Leisure Limited, said: "We
are extremely pleased to be selected as the operating partner for
Allerdale Borough Council's leisure facilities.
“There are tremendous benefits which will arise from this arrangement
for the people of Allerdale and we look forward to a long and fruitful
relationship".
As of 27.12.04 LC's web list of
clients still listed "Borough of Allerdale" and its logo. http://www.leisureconnection.co.uk/clients.html
Ards
Belfast Telegraph 3.9.05 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=659688
Ulster captain in new gym launch by Ashleigh Wallace
ULSTER rugby captain Simon Best was due to open three new fitness
suites in the Ards Peninsula today with new exercise and eating
programmes available for all customers.
After seven years of
Harpers Fitness, the new-look gyms at the three leisure centres in
Ards, Comber and Kiltonga are being reopened under a new name, Momentum
Fitness.
The gyms are staffed by trained consultants who will be on hand to
provide advice and motivation as well as tailoring exercise and health
eating programmes.
An exercise referral scheme will also be in operation and staff will
implement and monitor exercise programmes for users on the advice of
their GPs, nutritionists or physiotherapists.
In addition, staff are currently involved in training to provide a
cardiac rehabilitation exercise programme which will be introduced at a
later date.
Ulster's newly appointed rugby captain, prop Simon Best, said the
new-look Momentum suites were
"fantastic. It's great to have such facilities locally and hopefully
this will be a real boost to promoting fitness in the borough."
Dusty Millar, general manager of Ards Borough Council's Leisure Ards
Group, said: "Our fitness suites have always been popular with
customers but we felt that it was time to match the energy of our
regulars with a new look and range of new exercise and health eating
programmes."
Babergh
In April 2005 Babergh District Council announced it would set up a trust
to run leisure facilities currently run by LC. A consultation Document provides
the reasoning: http://www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/4545E2E4-BA9E-4D1F-B2E7-8B23EE80C3BD/0/Trustee_Information_Pack_2_Jo_Accepted_V3.pdf
Q. What is the Council
transferring to the Trust?
A. . The Council is transferring Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury and Hadleigh Swimming Pool.
Q. Why is the Council transferring
these facilities and services? A.
It is believed that a community-focussed group of trustees will be better placed to deliver an improved service to the local
community. In addition, the Trust will be
able to achieve financial benefits such as savings on National
Non Domestic Rates and VAT.
Cheltenham
see also under Other
Areas
Council Press Release 27.11.02 at http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/libraries/templates/options.asp?URN=1390&FolderID=0
At Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet meeting last night, members
unanimously approved the decision to bring the sport and leisure
management contract under the control of the council. This will mean
that the current contract with Leisure Connection will not be renewed
beyond 31 March 2003. Arrangements are being made to bring the service
under the direct control of the council from 1 April 2003.
Cllr Duncan Smith, chair of overview and scrutiny, commented: "I am
delighted that the cabinet have unanimously accepted my recommendation
to bring the recreation centre back under council control.
This is a landmark decision and proves that the scrutiny process in
Cheltenham is working well. Months of hard work by officers and members
resulted in a clear recommendation to bring the contract back in house.
The record of the current contract has been examined and found wanting by the scrutiny committee.
The committee will continue to scrutinise and review the
performance of the service once it is back with the council to ensure
that the high standards expected are achieved and maintained. With the
five million pounds refurbishment of the centre that we agreed earlier
this year, this decision indicates further significant progress in the
quality of sporting facilities in Cheltenham."
Cllr Rowena Hay, deputy for health wellbeing and economy, confirmed
that: "Cabinet endorsed the recommendation of overview and scrutiny to
bring the leisure contract back in house. In doing so, officers will
have tighter control over operational standards and the quality of
facilities available to the public."
...
Crystal
Palace from Sport England Press Release 8.9.04
http://www.sportengland.org/index/news_and_media/news_pr/new_facility_management_contract_for_crystal_palace.htm
Sport England and the London
Development Agency today announced that a new facility management contract for
Crystal Palace Sports Centre has been signed with Greenwich Leisure Ltd. (an
employee owned society that exists for the benefit of the community. Based on
charitable objectives, GLL is a non-profit distributing organisation...)
Roger Draper, Chief Executive of Sport England said: “GLL is a very innovative
organisation and has demonstrated its ability to engage with local communities.
These skills complement our regional plan for sport in London, helping
Sport England to increase sports participation and success in the area...”
The management contract for Crystal
Palace was put out to tender following the expiry of Leisure Connection’s
contract in March 2004. The new contract with GLL is for a term of four
years starting in October 2004.
Dartford Council
From Council Press Release 1.10.04
Council takes control of Princes Golf and Leisure http://www.dartford.gov.uk/latestnews/archive.htm
"Dartford
Council has confirmed that it is to take control of one of Dartford’s
most popular sports and leisure facilities after the current management
company admitted spiralling losses."
The complex includes, as well as golf, football, squash
and function rooms. LC have had a series of temporary leases while the council
has been deciding the future of the facility.
Minutes of the meeting of the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Services) held on 18 May 2004
show concern about the state of facilities, what has contributed to them but do not make clear
who was responsible for the decline. http://www.dartford.gov.uk/council/council%20minutes/os%20services/18%20May%202004%20-%20FINAL.htm
"The
meeting was advised that due to the Club having been the subject of a
series of short term leases, limited capital investment and
insufficient income to support the more expensive sports, the
facilities had fallen into a spiral of some disrepair and neglect...
Members felt that the poor standards in the pavilion often deterred
teams and individuals from using the facility. They were also aware of
a possible leakage of income from the Golf facility by fee avoidance.
The Bowls Club on the site was largely self-sufficient but had been
using contributions from members themselves to fund repairs etc.
Members felt strongly that inexpensive facilities for local people to be able to play sports was a priority.
Councillor Kite explained that the cycle of poor delivery needed to be
broken and that the proposed changes would be handled with
professionalism and sensitivity."
Thanks to "The Warbler" for notifying LCW
about terminated contract.
Daventry from Council
Press Release http://www.daventrydc.gov.uk/news/details.asp?id=611
Daventry District Council is delighted to signal the chance for a new era of
leisure facilities management. Daventry Leisure Centre, Daventry Sports Park and
the town’s pitches are set to be managed by SOLL Leisure from November. SOLL
Leisure have been selected by the Council as the Preferred Supplier of facility
management after competitive tender and are set to take over from Leisure
Connection, promising fresh investment and a whole new look and feel to the
facilities.
Community Portfolio Holder Councillor Alan Hills confirmed that “SOLL is
offering the best deal for the people of Daventry district with the particular
prospect of a refreshed Leisure Centre. I am expecting SOLL to impress people
with the same standard of management and customer care that they offer at their facilities
in Oxfordshire. They know what customers need and they know what
Daventry Council expects. I look forward to a positive relationship between the
Council and SOLL and a positive experience for existing and new users of the
facilities. What a boost for the town and surrounding area it will be. The new
contract brings new ideas and new opportunities from a fresh management company
benefitting residents and visitors alike, fitting in with the Council’s vision
for a rejuvenated town centre.”
The new contract runs to October 2016 and demonstrates the Council’s long-term
commitment to new investment in leisure facilities after recent attacks that it
simply wanted to close facilities.
Didcot / South Oxford
It was announced in July 2005
that from October SOLL Leisure will take over the management of
South Oxfordshire District Council’s Didcot Wave and Didcot Leisure Centre on
a three and a half year contract.
The Council
Press Release thanks LC and its staff for their work but says, “All of the
companies that expressed an interest in this contract made strong
presentations. SOLL scored extremely well on the quality of their
submission but clearly presented the best financial proposition."
Ealing
From 1.11.06 Ealing Council will replace LC
at
"The
new contract has a strong focus on performance targets, including
increasing participation, customer satisfaction, consistency in
cleaning standards and delivery of maintenance works. The targets will
be reviewed on an annual basis."
Cllr Nigel Sumner, cabinet
member for health and community well being, said: "Ealing Council
welcomes the opportunity to work with Greenwich Leisure Limited which
has become a major force within the leisure industry. GLL displays a
strong commitment to social inclusion and customer-focussed service so
I am optimistic that the targets we have built into the new contract
will see an improvement in customer satisfaction levels at our three
facilities." from http://www.ealing.gov.uk/press_releases/august_2006/pr800.html
East Northamptonshire Council
From Performance Plan 2003 - 2004
http://www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/ppimageupload/image7147.pdf
For many years a national company called Leisure Connections has managed the council’s leisure buildings.
The contract was due to expire in 2003, so as part of the 'Best Value' programme we conducted a review of leisure
facilities. This looked at a number of options for the future management of leisure facilities, and councillors
concluded that an independent trust offered the best option.
By creating an independent trust with charitable objectives, not only can any profits be invested back into the facilities
and services, but the trust can gain from tax relief and is in a better position to apply for grant aid.
from Audit Commission Inspection
Report, January 2003
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/Products/BVIR/72A72940-7C83-11d7-B2CB-0060085F8572/EastNorth-Leisure.pdf
The Council spends a relatively
small amount per head on leisure and recreation. Comparative figures on the
amount of provision, either sports hall space, water space or arts based
provision were not available, making it difficult to deduce the level
of return on this investment.
The services are in the lowest
quartile for the satisfaction levels of both users and residents
compared to similar authorities which challenges the findings of the research
commissioned by the contractor. However, because little is known overall
about user opinion the Council can not robustly argue against this rating.
The facilities appear to be in the
lowest quartile for the number of swims and other
visits per 1000 population in the district, suggesting low take-up levels by
the local community. These statistics were affected
by a long closure of the Splash Pool due to
flooding, which reduced the usage levels whilst many of the service
overheads remained constant. Using the current data, the cost of each swim
or visit is high, challenging the claims that the service represents value for
money. To be confident that the service does provide
value for money the Council needs to adjust
the data and compare the adjusted figures with those of other
similar authorities.
From comparisons the Council
undertook, the review concluded that fees charged
are ‘generally reasonable in comparison with neighbouring authority services.’
Junior swims prices are higher than the closest neighbours whilst adult swimming
prices are lower. Badminton is more expensive than the closest neighbours
whilst fitness is significantly more expensive, though clearly this does not
analyse the quality of the fitness facilities.
Great
Yarmouth
see also main GY page
Presumably having got tired of
having to "badger" LC to do maintenance GY Council opted for a Leisure
trust to take over in April 2006.
Hackney
see also main Hackney page
Letter
to Hackney Gazette 17.8.05 http://snipurl.com/ha9u
New leisure contract can be no worse value
I'm glad the interim
contract to run Hackney's leisure facilities has been given to a not-for-profit
organisation. It can't be worse than the previous contract with Leisure
Connection. The termination of Leisure Connection's contract was a rare bit of
good news to come out of the closure of Clissold Leisure Centre.
It was bad contract since it tied Hackney into a 15-year deal. Clissold has been
closed for about 21 months, but Leisure Connection has still been receiving
payments due to it - about £4 million since 2002. The contract did not
demonstrate best value for Hackney, especially since Leisure Connection is
getting a further payment for its termination.
Whoever gets to run Hackney's leisure facilities, we mustn't have another
long-term contract which profits shareholders, not council tax payers. There is
a strong argument that leisure facilities should be run by the council. How can
paying money to a private company for running a public service represent best
value?
Mischa Borris, Hackney Green Party
From Hackney Labour Party Website 11.8.05 www.hackney-labour.org.uk/news/?id=131
Not-for-profit organisation to run Hackney's leisure
centres Following
the end of Hackney’s leisure management contract with Leisure
Connection, the Council has appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL)
to manage its leisure facilities on an interim basis for 18 months
until a full process for award of a long term contract has been carried
out.
Hackney’s
leisure centre portfolio includes Kings Hall and Britannia Leisure
Centres, the West Reservoir sailing and water sports centre, and
Clissold Leisure Centre. Clissold is currently closed for repair works
but is scheduled for reopening next summer.
From next year the portfolio will also include the London Fields Lido
which is set to reopen in April 2006 following a complete
refurbishment, and the Queensbridge Sports Centre.
The
decision to award the interim contract to GLL came after a full options
appraisal process. GLL is a not for profit organisation with an
excellent track record of managing community leisure facilities across
London.
They currently operate in the four other Olympic host boroughs of
Newham, Waltham Forest, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets, among others. GLL
has also recently commenced a 15 year partnership agreement to manage
Camden’s leisure centres.
Hackney
Council’s elected Mayor Jules Pipe said:
‘I am delighted to welcome GLL as our interim leisure contractor. We
will work with them to ensure that the handover is as smooth as
possible, and that local services are not disrupted by the change. We
will be communicating with all staff, users and leisure centre members
to make sure that they are kept fully informed.’
GLL will
take over interim management of the centres from Leisure Connection on
15th September 2005. The Council intends to fully involve users and
residents in the process to award a long term contract.
Flintshire 13.9.02
Leisure Connection wins first contract in Wales http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/newsdetail.cfm?codeID=2844
Flintshire County Council has announced that leading leisure management
contractor, Leisure Connection, is the preferred partner for the future
management and operation of its 10 sports and leisure facilities across
the county.
The contract will begin later this year and run for a 20-year period...
13.9.02 from http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/newsdetail.cfm?codeID=2844
Glynn Mellor, CEO of Leisure Connection, said: 'This exciting new
partnership with Flintshire County Council demonstrates Leisure
Connections ongoing commitment to provide quality leisure facilities
and services to local communities throughout the
UK 'This major new contract represents a strategic advance for both
parties and reinforces the company's position in the community leisure
market.'
The Flintshire Chronicle, July 2003 from http://snipurl.com/69ia
Leisure deal off as talks are wound up
by George Tattum
FLINTSHIRE County Council has abandoned plans to hand over the running
of its sports and leisure facilities to a private company.
The decision, predicted exclusively in the Chronicle last month, was
taken behind closed doors on Tuesday.
After the meeting, a statement was issued explaining why talks with
Herfordshire-based Leisure Connection had been wound up without
agreement.
The council statement said: 'Following detailed negotiations over the
last year, the preferred partner company was, in recent weeks, unable
to satisfy concerns by the council about the implications of new
proposed conditions of contract.'
The partnership deal was intended to plough private capital into the
council's ageing sports and leisure facilities.
But the two sides were unable to strike a deal, as executive member for
education and leisure, Cllr Chris Bithell, explained: 'The council
wanted to look at innovative ways to provide better leisure facilities
for the people of Flintshire, and much hard work has been undertaken to
explore this partnership option.
It is with disappointment that we have decided not to pursue this
option and end our negotiations.'
A number of councillors expressed serious concerns about a possible
deal when it was revealed Leisure Connection had lost a major contract
with Cheltenham Borough Council...
From IC Wales 15.12.03 http://snipurl.com/6w7x
Leisure centre talks re-opened
...Flintshire County Council earlier this year pulled out of a proposed deal with Leisure Connection after talks broke down.
But the new chief executive (Martin Oliver?) of the company has asked to re-open negotiations.
Flintshire
Council Minutes considering first
bid and rejection of revised proposal in 2004 on LCW.
Flitwick from
http://www.healthandleisure.uk.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=27 22.01.04
Stevenage Leisure win contracts to operate new sites in Beds
SLL
(Stevenage Leisure Ltd) have won the contract to operate Mid
Bedfordshire’s prestigious Leisure facilities at Biggleswade and
Flitwick. The contract, which was won in open
competition, will be effective from April 1st 2004 for three years. (LC
lost the Biggleswade contract 3 years ago and Flitwick this year. PB)
In addition it is the intension that two dual centres will also be negotiated into the contract within the first year.
Working in partnership with Mid Beds District Council there will be
substantial investment of £1.5m to extend and develop the Health and
Fitness facilities at the Flitwick and Biggleswade sites, installing
the new ‘Excite’ range of Technogym equipment.
Since its inception as a NPDO (Non Profit Distributing
Organisation) in March 1998, SLL has doubled in size and turnover and is now operating an additional six facilities.
The NPDO option has now become a recognised model for providing Leisure
Management Services and provides a credible option for local
authorities...
Information on Tendering Process in Biggleswade
Fowey Community
Leisure Centre from http://www.fowey-comm-coll.cornwall.sch.uk/prospectus/leisure.html
A charitable company had been established in order to manage the
leisure centre – Windmill Developments (Cornwall) Ltd – which let a
management contract to Circa Leisure; later to become Leisure
Connection plc.
This contract was terminated by negotiation and agreement of both
parties on 31st March 2003; Windmill Developments (Cornwall) Ltd then
let a management contract to Fowey Community College to manage the
Centre effective from 1st April 2003...
Kerrier
2.8.05 New Beginnings At Helston Sports Centre from
http://www.kerrier.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=13500 Helston
Sports Centre is to undergo a £250,000 refurbishment, and return to the
direct Control of Kerrier District Council.
The Council's current management agreement with private contractors
Leisure Connection Ltd, who have been engaged by the Council since
1996, expires on 15th September. Following a detailed review by
Kerrier's Overview & Scrutiny Committee for Strong Communities
earlier in the year, assisted by key expert witnesses and local
representatives, the Council decided to resume direct management of the
centre through a dedicated "in house" team.
Rochford ended
2002 - From Audit Commission Inspection Report 7.3.02 "...
surveys referred to the lighting and heating at Castle Hall; maintenance and
repair at Park; and session times and cleanliness at Clements Hall all being
poor/very poor. Sports Clubs said that prices for indoor use were too high. The
arts/community group said that halls w ere too expensive and thereforeunderused.
"The
focus group that we met identified the following shortcoming !
Poor maintenance and general upkeep / Lack
of investment / ! The fitness room at Clements Hall
seen as too crowded at peak times ,with no air conditioning.
" In
conclusion, the evidence suggests that the Service is commercially driven rather
than community focussed, although there is a reasonable level of satisfaction
from users. There is a good range of facilities across the district but most are
in need of uplifting from their current condition." http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/Products/BVIR/C970D222-B19A-4112-AD09-7421AC4C9E74/RochfordDC02.pdf
Rotherham
Failed PFI Bid From Contract Journal
12.4.06 http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2006/04/12/50855/Pellikaan+poised+to+scoop+%C2%A337m+Yorks+leisure+PFI.html Pellikaan poised to scoop £37m Yorks leisure PFI
Dutch specialist contractor Pellikaan, which has built around 800
sports and leisure centres across Europe, has surfaced as preferred
bidder for a £37m PFI deal in South Yorkshire in tandem with UK
developer DC Leisure.
The Rotherham Borough Council scheme is due to start shortly after
financial close is reached in September.
The project will see outdated swimming pools across the borough
replaced with four new pools.
Three will be on secondary schools campuses at Wath, Maltby and Aston
and the fourth will result in a major new leisure pool at St Ann’s in
Rotherham’s town centre.
Other projects include replacing the Herringthorpe Leisure Centre with
a new state-of-the art sports centre, while a sports complex will also
be built next to the new pool at Aston.
Work on the first of the four sites is expected to be finished during
2008, with completion of the whole project due by the close of 2009.
Local contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, in tandem with developer
Leisure Connection, also worked up a bid for the job.
Salisbury
From Council Press Release 4.3.04 http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/council/communications/press/2004/display-press-release.htm?id=2004-03-04-b.asp
"The council's Cabinet has taken the
decision not to renew the contract with Leisure Connection, the company that
currently manages the centre, when it expires on March 31st... The £6.5 million
state-of-the-art swimming centre was opened in the summer of 2002. Owned by
Salisbury District Council, the running of the centre was contracted to Leisure
Connection, the company that had been running the old leisure centre at the
Hulse Road site. However, since its
opening, the centre has been hit with several contractual and operational
problems." See also LCW Salisbury
Page for some of the issues that led up to this.
South Norfolk
4.12.06 Council Report on Risks http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/CARMS/meetings/cab2006-12-04ag13.pdf
Among the less serious risk listed by the
Council was one for the ending of the Wymondham Leisure centre.
"Potential for a reduction in service quality as a result of low staff
motivation/morale now that Leisure Connection have received notification that
the contract will not be renewed in April 2007. As recently as 16th November,
the strategic significance of this risk was confirmed
by the project board overseeing the arrangements to bring the management of the
centre 'in house'.”
from http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/democracy/1906_333631.asp
20.3.07 New era
for leisure centre puts quality and customers first
A new era of improvement and potential investment
begins at Wymondham Leisure Centre next month. The management of the facility,
which includes a swimming pool, gym and five-court sports hall, is being taken
over by South Norfolk Council Leisure Services team from the beginning of April.
The Council has said it will use this golden opportunity to improve service
quality and get customers involved in shaping the service. Cllr Jane Walker, who
leads on Leisure, Culture and Countryside for South Norfolk, said: "We are
delighted to have this opportunity to improve the standards of service in the
building and improve quality. The customers we have, and the new ones we will
attract, will also have a powerful voice in the centre's future when later this
year, we launch our customer forum. The voice of young people will not be
forgotten, and will be a key part of the new forum. Getting the leisure centre
up to the quality we expect, and which our customers deserve, will take time and
investment, but we are in this for the long term. The first improvement they
will notice is a redecoration. This is just the start of what will be an
exciting new future."
For the last 15 years, the centre has been managed by Leisure Connection Plc, on
the Council's behalf. On Sunday April 1st, control moves to the Council. There
will be a low key celebration to mark the change-over, with a gift presented to
the first customer arriving at the centre on Sunday.
St Albans
18.11.04 from http://snipurl.com/aww6
herts.advertiser@archant.co.uk
"THE Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in St Albans Town Hall will be back under district council control from next April.
This will take place when the council's existing contract with Leisure Connection expires.
"The council plans to expand and improve the centre as a complete
tourist attraction. Cllr Melvyn Teare, portfolio holder for Heritage,
Arts and Tourism said: "This is an opportunity to bring it back in
house. It is an excellent example of where I'm able to put more of a
focus on arts, culture and leisure in St Albans."
Incorporated within the plans is the decision to make the Town Hall
into a tourist attraction with the opening up of the courtroom and
assembly rooms and the installation of a coach lay-by outside."
Swale
16.3.04
From
http://www.swale.gov.uk/media/html/i%2Fj%2Fsbourne%20160304%2Edoc
The
Head of Technical Services submitted a report on the present leisure contract at
The Swallows, Sittingbourne that was requested in response to concerns expressed
over the level of complaints received. Concerns
had been raised over the decreasing level of cleanliness and several areas of
minor maintenance which had not been completed, despite several requests from
Council Officers.
The
Head of Technical Services explained that the current leisure contract would
expire in September 2004 and new contractors were being sought which might lead
to short term problems prior to the commencement of the new contract...
See Other Areas for more information.
The
successor to LC in Swale is Serco who carried this on their website:
" 'Council executive member for the community Cllr Gerry Lewin said “I
am sure residents will experience a major improvement in the management
of leisure facilities over the coming year.'
Serco replaces
Leisure Connection as the contract holders, after public criticism of
levels of cleaning and maintenance at The Swallows."
http://www.serco-is.com/serco_SGS_issue_1.htm
Three Rivers
The contract for William Penn Leisure Centre has
been awarded to Hertsmere Leisure, a registered charity - http://www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk/index.asp?id=8
Tunbridge Wells
from Council Press
Release
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Cabinet agreed
to award the ten and a
half year management contract for its three sports centres to
Fusion-Lifestyle. The contract, which commences on 1 October, includes
Tunbridge Wells Sports & Indoor Tennis Centre, Weald Sports Centre,
Cranbrook and Putlands Sports & Leisure Centre, Paddock
Wood. Fusion-Lifestyle is a registered charitable trust currently
managing a wide range of sports facilities for the London Boroughs of
Hillingdon, Lambeth and Southwark. As a trust the company is able to
re-invest any surplus into the facilities and service.
...As part of the contract, new equipment will be
provided in the fitness studios and new computer systems will be
introduced. In addition to these improvements the Council now intends
to enter into further negotiations with Fusion-Lifestyle to secure up
to £1 million of investment into the facilities including extensions to
fitness studios and improvements to reception areas and changing
rooms.
Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and
Well-Being, Councillor James Scholes said: "This is an exciting time
for the Council and its sports centres and
we look forward to seeing increased usage and a reduced cost of the service for the local tax-payer."
Head of Leisure Services, Nigel Bolton, commented: "We have been impressed with Fusion-Lifestyle's track record and their quality and experience.
We look forward to working in partnership with them and I am confident
that Fusion-Lifestyle will bring a new impetus to the development of
the sports centres and the service they offer".
Wycombe
- Princes Risborough Springs Swim and Fitness Centre
LC's ten year contract with Wycombe District
Council ended after it lost out to Wycombe Leisure Limited, an Industrial and Provident
(non-profit) Society which returns all surpluses to the services operated. See
the background on Wycombe page.
???
From Kunick PLC Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 31 March 2002
http://moneyextra.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/20020523070000P4156.html
Unfortunately, we have been unable to renew, on acceptable terms, one of our larger
(leisure) contracts. This contract ended
on 31 March 2002 and had a turnover of £1.35 million in this period
(turnover for the year ended 30 September
2001 amounted to £2.72 million). Possibly Rochford?
Purpose
of this Page
I would be concerned
if a company won every contract it sought or even nearly all. I do not have
enough information to say whether LC is worse than other leisure providers or
contractors in other service areas. This is not what the page is about.
I hope councils considering new
leisure contracts will
contact other local authorities to learn from their experience and thus write
better tender documents. Improving the competitive tendering process and really
understanding what it takes to manage the contract increases the chances of
better service and good value for ratepayers, whichever company is selected.
When a council acts in isolation in deciding a contract, or only contacts the
authorities suggested by the bidder, mistakes that could have been
avoided are more likely to be repeated. Only the contractor's interests are
served when information about shortcomings elsewhere are hidden behind
"commercial confidentiality" or largely restricted to one locality.
Given the huge sums spent on
privatised local services and the emergence of dominant providers it is
unfortunate that no central body monitors contractor
performance across the UK. Councils are rated by the Audit Commission for
their overall performance so why not major service providers? Some contractors
now spend more on services for the public than many individual councils. Surely
this should attract more systematic scrutiny? As I do not
have time to seek out and list unfavourable reports on other leisure
companies and contractors for different services I hope concerned consumers will set up
other "Watch" sites.
The size and
complexity of PFI (Private Finance Initiative) deals
means that smaller companies are less likely to be involved. This limits the
number bidding for the contract and it is not unusual for the field to be
limited to two because of the expense of preparing the deal. A failed bid
represents a significant loss to LC. But more importantly, given the reduced
competition it is even more important for councils to learn from each other in
the handling of PFI arrangements. PB
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