Agenda item

To carry out pre-decision scrutiny on the procurement and approval of an operator for the Aldershot Pools and Lido, Alpine Snowsports Centre and the proposed new Farnborough Leisure Centre, prior to consideration by the Cabinet at its meeting on 10th February, 2026 – Cabinet Report No. OS2603 (copy attached). Exempt appendices, referenced in the Report, will be available to Members of the Committee on Monday 2nd February by following this link.

David Phillips, Deputy Head of Operations, will give a short presentation.

The Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities and Active Lives, Cllr Sophie Porter, will also be in attendance.

The Committee carried out pre-decision scrutiny on the procurement and approval of an operator for the Aldershot Pools and Lido, Alpine Snowsports Centre and the proposed new Farnborough Leisure Centre prior to consideration by the Cabinet at its meeting on 10th February, 2026.

Report No. OS2603 set out the outcome of the Leisure Operator procurement process which commenced in June 2025 and was assessed to take account of both quality (60%) and cost (40%). Operators had the option to bid on two different lots, a standard concession contract or an agency agreement.

The Committee were provided with some background information to the preferred operator, noting their purpose and values, health and wellbeing programme, investment throughout the contract term, the added social and environmental value, and financial deliverability and sustainability. Members were also apprised of a number of risks, and the mitigations in place to address these.

During discussions the Committee asked a number of questions:

·         Can we guarantee that costs won’t be put on residents through membership fees – it was noted that the preferred bidder had proposed a pricing model to ensure equity of access and commercial performance. Price increases would be aligned to industry best practice, benchmarked annually against Sport England, comparators, and user feedback. Prices would be reported to the Council for agreement annually.

·         What were the implications of targets not being met – it was noted that the Council would retain an agreed minimum financial return that was guaranteed.

·         What were the financial implications of a mechanical or plant failure at the Lido – it was advised that responsibility for maintenance of the lido plant would remain with the Council.

·         Car parking capacity at the Aldershot Pools and Lido – this was an ongoing issue and was discussed as part of the process. It was noted that additional parking had been made available in recent years with a new lido overflow at the rear of the grounds (100 spaces), utilising a small area of Aldershot Park (up to 100 spaces) and on rare occasions the Crematorium car park (up to 50 spaces) for use in busy periods.

·         Due diligence, in particular holding to account over promises of social value at procurement stage – it was noted that provision would be included in the contract terms to cover areas such as social value.

·         Procurement process costs – it was noted that the Council had a contract with Portsmouth Council who carried out procurement work with the Council’s officers.

·         Community outreach – some target areas had been identified, in particular those areas of multiple deprivation, however, it was noted that these were negotiable.

The Committee also discussed rebuilding relationships with clubs, in particular the swimming and synchronised swimming clubs. It was advised that the project team had been in contact with key stakeholders, including these clubs, during the process.

ACTIONS: