Scope
Reference
ESPH749
Description
Hastings Borough Council is commencing a procurement process for a new Leisure Facilities Operator. The Council has two leisure centres within its portfolio and the contract is expiring 31 March 2027. The centres are located in Hastings in East Sussex.
It is proposed that the contract will be for a maximum term of fifteen years, until 31 March 2042. The contract start date is 1 April 2027.
The Council are at an early stage in development of its proposals for the Leisure Management Contract and seeks input from the market as to what might be the most advantageous way of packaging and scoping this future procurement opportunity. Prior to undertaking the formal procurement process, which is currently targeted for commencement in December 2025, the Council is seeking to undertake a preliminary market engagement exercise to review in summary:
i. Delivery of further external activities
ii. Contract length
iii. Views on procurement route
iv. Potential risk allocation
v. Potential investment schemes and funding options
vi. Views on Agency Model and how this might be explored through the tender process
vii. Views on potential variant bids
The Council wishes to engage with experienced leisure facility operators and service providers to inform the upcoming procurement process. The Council wishes to understand the current issues and opportunities facing the market in the delivery of these services.
The Council has issued a questionnaire for interested operators to complete and is available at the Council procurement portal here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/esph/aspx/Home
The deadline for submitting preliminary market engagement questionnaires is Friday 9th October 2025.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2042
- 15 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
Contract locations
- UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Engagement
Engagement deadline
9 October 2025
Engagement process description
The Council are at an early stage in development of its proposals for the Leisure Management Contract and seeks input from the market as to what might be the most advantageous way of packaging and scoping this future procurement opportunity. Prior to undertaking the formal procurement process, which is currently targeted for commencement in December 2025, the Council is seeking to undertake a preliminary market engagement exercise to review in summary:
i. Delivery of further external activities
ii. Contract length
iii. Views on procurement route
iv. Potential risk allocation
v. Potential investment schemes and funding options
vi. Views on Agency Model and how this might be explored through the tender process
vii. Views on potential variant bids
The Council wishes to engage with experienced leisure facility operators and service providers to inform the upcoming procurement process. The Council wishes to understand the current issues and opportunities facing the market in the delivery of these services.
The Council has issued a questionnaire for interested operators to complete and is available at the Council procurement portal here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/esph/aspx/Home
The deadline for submitting preliminary market engagement questionnaires is Friday 9th October 2025.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 December 2025
Procedure
Special regime
- Concession
- Light touch
Contracting authority
Hastings Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCYQ-9369-PMNV
Muriel Matters House
Hastings
TN34 3UY
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@hastings.gov.uk
Website: http://www.hastings.gov.uk
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government