Derby City Council has decided on the future delivery model for Moorways Sports Village and Water Park.
A market engagement and options analysis exercise was undertaken to look at the potential interest in an outsourced contract for Moorways Sports Village and Water Park from Spring 2022.
The management options analysis focussed on in-house operation by the Council, outsourced and wholly owned Local Authority Trading Company models.
The findings show that an outsourced leisure operating contract is most likely to deliver the most efficient and effective service going forward to meet the Council’s outcomes and reduce the financial risk to the Council.
The Council will now undertake a procurement exercise to select the operator. There has already been strong interest shown from an excellent range of leading leisure operators.
Construction work commenced on the Derby City Council scheme in February last year.
Councillor Robin Wood, city council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said it was another important step towards opening Moorways Sports Village.
I’m confident from the range of high-calibre potential operators already showing strong interest, that this move will bring added value to Derby’s health, wellbeing and leisure offer, whilst delivering value for money to the Council. This is a fantastic facility, which will be of huge enjoyment and benefit to the people of Derby. The project itself is progressing extremely well and I'm certain citizens and visitors alike will be excited to use this new facility.
Alongside the 50-metre pool, which can be split into three 25 metre pools, to give greater flexibility, there will be a learner pool and a water park, featuring two four-storey flumes, along with England’s first wave-generating wow ball and wave rider slide. There will also be an indoor water playground area with mini slides and water jets.
The spacious, modern gym will be fitted out with the latest equipment and there will be three health and fitness studios, as well as sauna and steam rooms. A café will offer a range of refreshments and there will be a soft play area for young children.
Last month work reached an important milestone with the steelwork and main structure of the building completed, as the development moves towards opening in spring of 2022.