Derby City Council is considering outsourcing the management of its leisure and catering facilities.
A proposal to start the process of securing external operators to manage Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena, including Café 42, will go before the Council’s Cabinet this month. The proposals also include transferring the management of the Orangery and kiosks at Markeaton Park and Waterside Café, community and sports facilities at Alvaston Park.
Like councils across the country, Derby City Council has been affected by the increasing cost of providing statutory services, particularly for our most vulnerable children and adults.
As the Council continues to manage this challenging financial situation, we have considered how best to ensure communities can continue to access leisure facilities. A detailed review of these services has concluded that outsourcing could provide financial savings while maintaining a high level of service for customers.
This approach has already proved successful at Moorways Sports Village, which is operated by Everyone Active. Working with the Council, Everyone Active has expanded and improved the centre’s facilities and developed innovative community programmes.
Under the proposed new operating model, the primary focus of Derby Arena would be as a national, regional and local sporting venue, as the city’s new Becketwell Live performance venue opens in 2025.
This will build on the success the Arena has already achieved as a venue for high-profile sport events. Notable events already held at the Arena include the England Hockey Super 6s, the England Boxing National Amateur Championships, with two British Cycling National Track Series events coming next year.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said: “We understand the importance of these amenities to our residents and are committed to finding a solution that allows us to maintain them, even in challenging financial times. Moorways Sports Village is a shining example of how this can be achieved, and we're hopeful we can replicate this success across the city.”
The savings that would be delivered by transferring the operation of leisure and catering facilities will be determined through the procurement process. The full procurement and appointment process is expected to take at least 18 months.
Cabinet members will receive an update on the process at a meeting on Wednesday 13 November. Subject to their approval, external leisure consultants and legal advisers will be appointed to support the Leisure Facilities Operator project team in managing the procurement process and delivery.
The Council will be working closely with affected staff and appropriate Trade Union representatives throughout the process.