Scope
Reference
DN765091
Description
In shaping a healthier and more active future for our residents. It is now necessary for the Council to procure an Operating Partner to operate the Council owned Facilities within the former Copeland and Allerdale Borough Council areas with effect from the 1st of April 2026. It is intended that the procurement and resultant contract will be procured in such a way to allow flexibility over the term of the contract, for instance building in the possibility to include the Carlisle contract when it ends in December 2032.
The Facilities in scope include:
Former Allerdale Area - contract ends 31st March 2026
• Workington Leisure Centre;
• Cockermouth Leisure Centre;
• Keswick Leisure Centre (only the gym is open / pool is closed); and
• The Wave, Maryport.
Former Copeland Area - contract ends 31st March 2026
• Whitehaven Leisure Centre;
• Copeland Pool and fitness centre; and
• Cleator Moor Activity Centre.
In addition to the above facilities, the Council is due to commence construction of a new Facility in Millom in 2025. This facility will also form part of the Facilities that will be included in the scope of the Leisure Operating Contract.
For clarity, the Council owned Facilities operated by Better Leisure within the Carlisle leisure contract are not in scope from the commencement in April 2026 but could be become integrated at the end of the current contract period, include:- Former Carlisle Area - contract ends 6th December 2032
• The Sands Centre;
• The Sheepmount; and
• Bitts Park Tennis Courts.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 1 April 2036
- Possible extension to 31 March 2041
- 15 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Engagement
Engagement deadline
14 March 2025
Engagement process description
Background information:
In shaping a healthier and more active future for our residents. It is now necessary for the Council to procure an Operating Partner to operate the Council owned Facilities within the former Copeland and Allerdale Borough Council areas with effect from the 1st of April 2026. It is intended that the procurement and resultant contract will be procured in such a way to allow flexibility over the term of the contract, for instance building in the possibility to include the Carlisle contract when it ends in December 2032.
The Facilities in scope include:
Former Allerdale Area - contract ends 31st March 2026
• Workington Leisure Centre;
• Cockermouth Leisure Centre;
• Keswick Leisure Centre (only the gym is open / pool is closed); and
• The Wave, Maryport.
Former Copeland Area - contract ends 31st March 2026
• Whitehaven Leisure Centre;
• Copeland Pool and fitness centre; and
• Cleator Moor Activity Centre.
In addition to the above facilities, the Council is due to commence construction of a new Facility in Millom in 2025. This facility will also form part of the Facilities that will be included in the scope of the Leisure Operating Contract.
For clarity, the Council owned Facilities operated by Better Leisure within the Carlisle leisure contract are not in scope from the commencement in April 2026 but could be become integrated at the end of the current contract period, include:- Former Carlisle Area - contract ends 6th December 2032
• The Sands Centre;
• The Sheepmount; and
• Bitts Park Tennis Courts.
Supplier engagement:
The Council will be carrying out an online session on Monday 10th March at 10am to further outline the opportunity. This will be available for all prospective partners. To book a place on this session, please see the details on the chest DN764109 - Leisure Services Operating Contract - Soft Market Testing (questionnaire & online session) to respond. Closing date 7th March 5pm.
A prospectus with a questionnaire is also on the above chest opportunity to be responded by 5pm Friday 14th March.
Please note this notice is not a call for competition. Participation in the supplier engagement event is voluntary and not a requirement for the subsequent procurement process
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107 - 117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Contact name: Ms Nicola Bell
Telephone: +44 7554407945
Email: nicola.bell@cumberland.gov.uk
Website: https://www.the-chest.org.uk
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government