Issue - meetings

  Report HPR2023/031

The report provided details of a successful grant application made to the Lawn Tennis Association for £230,580 to renovate ten tennis courts across the Borough and sought authority to procure a minor works contract from the Lawn Tennis Association’s framework contract for the capital build improvement works.  Approval was also sought to proceed to tender for an operator to manage the tennis court sites via a concession contract that would be cost neutral to the Local Authority.

In considering the report, a Member queried whether there would be a charge to access the renovated tennis courts which were currently free at the point of use.  The Assistant Director: Culture and Regeneration explained that there would be a nominal charge to use the tennis courts, but this was very low cost and would include a free allocation to those who could not afford to pay.  Another Member asked whether arrangements could be made for free access for local schools and young people, and this would be raised with the operator.  In response to a question by the Co-opted Member, the Assistant Director: Culture and Regeneration advised that the operator would be responsible for the security of the tennis courts, including the installation of a gate system.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1)  Approve proceeding to tender for an operator to manage the tennis court sites at Church House Gardens, Coney Hall Recreation Ground, Goddington Park and Poverest Park.  The contract will be a concession contract with an estimated turnover value of £23,236 per annum for a 5-year contract with the option to extend for 5 years (estimated whole life value of £232,360) and would be cost neutral to the Council; and,

2)  Approve the procurement of a minor works contract from the Lawn Tennis Association’s framework contract for the capital build improvement works at an expected value of £230k to be funded by the Lawn Tennis Association as previously approved.