Scope
Reference
DN765091
Description
The Authority is seeking to procure a specialist leisure operator to operate, maintain and deliver leisure services, as set out in the Tender Notice, Specification, Contract and supporting procurement documents provided on the procurement portal.
The Authority is seeking Suppliers with suitable experience to operate and maintain the facilities on behalf of the Authority. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and strategic organisation to develop a vision for the further enhancement to the delivery of leisure services in Cumberland.
The Authority's expectation is that this opportunity will suit sector specialists with the capability of self-operating all required elements of the service (e.g., sport and leisure service
delivery and technical and facilities management) but will be prepared to consider and assess any mixed economy bid that may involve sub-contracting certain elements with the Authority's consent.
The Council is seeking bids at Initial Tender ('ISIT') stage through appropriately qualified and experienced operators of facilities that can deliver community health and wellbeing
outcomes through the operation of services. This Tender is split into two Lots and Suppliers must bid for both lots.
Lot 1. LOT A Operation of Services proposals.
Description
A leisure Services Operating Contract as per the specification at the following:
• Workington Leisure Centre
• Cockermouth Leisure Centre
• Whitehaven Sports Centre
• Copeland Swimming Pool
• Cleator Moor Sports Centre
• Millom Leisure Centre
• Maryport Activity Centre
• Community Active Wellbeing Outreach Programme with Council Funding of £50,000 per annum
Lot 2. LOT B Operation of Services proposals.
Description
• Keswick Leisure Centre - operation of the gym/fitness facility only from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2028.
Contract 1
Lots
Lot 1. LOT A Operation of Services proposals.
Lot 2. LOT B Operation of Services proposals.
Supplier
Contract value
- £2,980,000 excluding VAT
- £3,576,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
6 January 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
9 January 2026
Standstill period
- End: 20 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
30 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2036
- Possible extension to 31 March 2041
- 15 years
Description of possible extension:
Option to extend by 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 92610000 - Sports facilities operation services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Information about tenders
Lot 1. LOT A Operation of Services proposals.
- 2 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 2. LOT B Operation of Services proposals.
- 2 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Supplier
Sports and Leisure Management Ltd
- Charity Commission (England and Wales): 2204085
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTCY-3946-LHDG
2 Watling Drive
hinckley
LE10 3EY
United Kingdom
Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government