ESPH Wealden District Council - Leisure and Wellbeing Contract

Wealden District Council is commencing a procurement process for a new Leisure Facilities Operator and and Community Based Outreach Service. The Council has three leisure centres within its portfolio and the contract is expiring 31 March 2027. The centres are located in Crowborough, Uckfield, and Hailsham in East Sussex.

It is proposed that the contract will be for a maximum term of fifteen years, until 31 March 2042. The contract start date is 1 April 2027.

The Council are at an early stage in development of its proposals for the Leisure and Wellbeing Contract and seeks input from the market as to what might be the most advantageous way of packaging and scoping this future procurement opportunity. Prior to undertaking the formal procurement process, which is currently targeted for commencement in December 2025, the Council is seeking to undertake a preliminary market engagement exercise to review in summary:

i. Delivery of an outreach programme of community-based outreach services and activities

ii. Contract length

iii. Views on procurement route

iv. Potential risk allocation

v. Potential investment schemes and funding options

vi. Views on Agency Model and how this might be explored through the tender process

vii. Views on potential variant bids

The Council wishes to engage with experienced leisure / active wellbeing facility operators and service providers to inform the upcoming procurement process. The Council wishes to understand the current issues and opportunities facing the market in the delivery of these services.

The Council has issued a questionnaire for interested operators to complete and is available at the Council procurement portal here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/esph/aspx/Home

The deadline for submitting preliminary market engagement questionnaires is Friday 22 August 2025.