Appointment of an Operating Partner for a Leisure Services Contract

Ards and North Down Borough Council (the Council) is currently preparing to initiate a procurement process to appoint an Operating Partner for a Leisure Services contract. Prior to initiating the procurement, the Council is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) Exercise.
The Council is currently preparing a scope of requirements for the appointment of an Operator to manage and operate its leisure facilities, principally the Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex (AULC) and Queens Leisure Complex (QLC) (excluding the community centre footprint at QLC), together with the delivery of an Active Communities Programme encompassing sport and physical activity development and community outreach.
The project aims to deliver six core Strategic Objectives spanning Active and Healthy Communities, Inclusive and Accessible Leisure for All, Active Opportunities Across the Life Course, Strong and Effective Partnerships, Enhanced Customer Experience and Engagement, and Environmental Sustainability and Net Zero Contribution. Prior to initiating any procurement, the Council wishes to involve suppliers in a preliminary market engagement.
Revenue
The scope of the arrangement includes but is not limited to the operation, maintenance and management of the specified sport and leisure facilities.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Operator will include, but not be limited to:
• Operating and maintaining the Facilities to a high standard in accordance with the Services Specification and Minimum Opening Hours;
• Employing, training and managing sufficient suitably qualified staff, including safeguarding, health and safety and customer service compliance across all roles;
• Delivering the Active Communities Programme in partnership with the Council, targeting inactive and under-represented groups, and employing a dedicated Active Communities officer to lead its outreach work as a minimum requirement;
• Funding and delivering reactive maintenance and planned...