Catmose Sports Centre Contract Update: Decision on March 25th at 7pm
Rutland County Council will decide on the future of Catmose Sports Centre, public leisure services on Monday, March 25th, during a Full Council meeting.
Protesters Gathered outside Rutland County Council Office Oakham Rutland Public Meeting about the Closure of Catmose Sports 6th February 2023
Key Points:
Councillors will review a report on finding a new operator after the current contract with Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) ends.
The meeting will likely be private due to confidential bid information.
The public can view the meeting online, but the stream will be paused if the session goes private.
A final decision announcement will follow within a week, after notifying bidders.
Background:
Catmose opened in 2011 with a 10-year contract with SLL intended to be self-sufficient.
However, the Council has provided over £800,000 in support the past four years.
Two procurement attempts failed to secure a new operator at zero cost.
Council's Options:
Award a new contract based on the latest procurement process.
Not award a contract and seek to return the lease to Catmose College.
Financial Considerations:
The Council's 2024/25 budget assumes Catmose operates without cost.
Any ongoing financial support would require additional savings or service cuts.
Councillor Wise's Statement:
The Council actively sought bids with potential costs this time.
User numbers haven't recovered from the pandemic, while costs have increased.
A decision update will be shared as soon as possible after the meeting.
Watch the meeting via Zoom