The development of public sector leisure facilities is set to become more efficient and affordable after Denbighshire County Council appointed Alliance Leisure to lead its new UK Leisure Framework.

As the Leisure Development Partner of the new Framework, Alliance Leisure will facilitate the delivery of design, refurbishment, construction, equipping and development of leisure centres, theatres, play facilities, recreation facilities and sports facilities across the UK public sector and will also provide marketing support.

The announcement comes as funding cuts are forcing many local authorities to divert cash from leisure to maintain essential services leaving much of the UK’s ageing public leisure stock overdue for redevelopment.

The new Framework makes it easier and more cost-effective for public sector leisure providers to scope, develop and deliver physical leisure developments as well as cultural and marketing related services. It follows the successful relationship between Alliance Leisure and Denbighshire County Council during which has seen the development of eight projects over the last four years.

“The introduction of this Leisure Framework is hugely significant,” says Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader of Denbighshire County Council. “Traditionally, procuring development works is a costly and time consuming headache for local authority leisure providers. The Framework will simplify the whole process making it more cost and time efficient. It will also ensure only suppliers with proven track records are engaged, mitigating the risk involved when selecting delivery partners to ensure value for money to the public sector.”

The Framework is open to any public sector organisation including local authorities, leisure trusts and private limited companies operating leisure facilities on behalf of UK public sector clients.

Sarah Watts, CEO, Alliance Leisure, says: “Denbighshire County Council is leading the way with this Framework, which is focused on reducing costs and improving efficiencies for both the client and the contractor, ensuring a larger percentage of the client’s overall budget is allocated to the development project, rather than the procurement process.

“The option to use the Framework’s marketing services is also unique. Alliance Leisure is able to provide these services on an income-share basis, without the need for any upfront payment. The client is then only required to make payments when pre-agreed income targets are met.”

To reflect the individuality of every project, Alliance Leisure has selected a number of contractors, architects, specialist leisure advisors and equipment suppliers, to provide Framework services across a number of categories including; feasibility studies and business planning, design management and services, construction, sourcing and provision of private funding, marketing, branding and sales development and equipment provision.

Procured in accordance with EU Procurement Regulations by Denbighshire County Council, the Framework term is four years, commencing on February 1, 2017 and the Board comprises of Officers from Denbighshire County Council and representatives from Alliance Leisure. The Leisure Framework has a potential value of £750 million and the maximum value of any project awarded under the Framework is £20 million.

The 31st January 2017 marked a significant day in the life of UK leisure as a 4-year framework agreement was signed by Denbighshire County Council and Alliance Leisure.

Cllr Hugh Evans, Leader of the Council, Paul Cluett, MD of Alliance, and Jamie Groves, Head of Facilities, Assets and Housing, all put pen to paper to make the Framework official.