Agenda item

The Deputy Leader of the Council presented the report which provided an update on phase 1 of the leisure improvements programme.

Following on from the previous report to the Committee on 18 November 2025, where the funding application was agreed. Officers had been working with consultants to finalise the scope of the works.

The procurement attracted high levels of interest, and a total of nine formal submissions were received.

Following the evaluation, Northdown Property Services were identified as the preferred contractor and subsequently Cabinet approved the contract award on 5 May 2026.

Northdown Property Services are a leading property refurbishment and maintenance company based in Peterborough, with experience of delivering similar projects.

The total cost of the contact was under the proposed budget of £500,000 at a cost of £321,222 with some savings seen particularly at Grantham Meres leisure centre.

Officers had carried out due diligence checks which included pricing clarifications during the tender evaluation process and receiving written confirmation from Northdown Property Services that their submission was correctly priced.

This meant that £162,778 would be carried forward into phase 2 of the programme and would allow a greater scope of works to be included.

In addition to mobilising the contract with Northdown Property Services included liaison with LeisureSK Ltd. Officers were engaging with consultants to identify the scope of works for phase 2, which would be procured.

The Deputy Chief Executive and S151 Officer confirmed that a delegation had been put into place for himself in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council, to vary contract works on the site if further works are required.

A query was raised on when the works would commence.

It was confirmed works were due to take place at the end of June 2026, after mobilisation of the contract and liaison with LeisureSK Ltd.

Concern was raised on disruption of the works to users of the leisure centre. The level of disruption and impact on timetables was queried.

The Deputy Leader of the Council confirmed the biggest disruption would be at Grantham Meres leisure centre. The works were due to be scheduled during summer time, when the swim club closes.

One Member sought clarification on whether the works would be completed prior to the 6-week school holidays.

It was noted the pool at Grantham Meres leisure centre was less utilised in the school holidays and therefore the works would most likely take place during that time. Works would take place on a sequential basis, meaning that works would take place on one leisure centre at a time.

A query was raised on the level of threat from other privately operated leisure facilities in terms of losing members at Stamford leisure centre.

The Deputy Leader of the Council clarified that at present there was no threat from privately operated leisure facilities, however, this may peak in the future.

Further concern was raised around the Grantham Meres swimming pool being closed for the duration of the 6-week school holidays.

The Team Leader – Leisure, Parks and Open Spaces clarified the indicative programme did not estimate for the swimming pool at Grantham Meres to be closed for the whole duration of the school holidays. The impact of this and how it could be minimised would be discussed with LeisureSK Ltd.

The Deputy Chief Executive clarified that there would be disruption due to intrusive works taking place. The works would focus on the customer elements of the facility. At Grantham, the changing village was a shared area making it more difficult for a temporary changing room to be located.

It was highlighted there were several dry changing areas within Grantham Meres, however, this would pose a health and safety concern following individuals leaving the pool.

It was emphasised that all other services within Grantham Meres leisure centre could be used during the time of the pool closure.

Further clarification was sought around a timescale of disruption for Grantham Meres leisure centre.

It was suggested that any other maintenance takes place during the closure of  the pool to maximise the opportunity.

The Deputy Chief Executive and S151 Officer confirmed that maintenance was ongoing at the facility. This initiative deliberately focused on parts of the building that required the update of customer-facing elements rather than general maintenance.

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report and the work undertaken to date in procuring the contract for Phase One of the Leisure Improvement Works.

(The Committee adjourned for a 15-minute break).

(Councillor Bridget Ley left the meeting at 11:30, Cllr Gareth Knight acted as Chairman for the remainder of the meeting).