District council to appoint lawyers to advise on leisure centre outsourcing

August 15, 2016

A district council is to appoint lawyers to provide legal advice to help prepare and deliver the outsourcing of its two leisure centres.

Lichfield District Council said the legal work required for the outsourcing of the centres at Burntwood and Friary Grange would involve:

Advice relating to the completion of a contract for the delivery of management and operation of two leisure centres for a period of not less than 15 years to a preferred leisure operator.
The completion of a revised dual use agreement for the operation of Friary Grange Leisure Centre between Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council and The Friary School.
An appropriate agreement between Lichfield District Council and the preferred leisure operator to undertake operations at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, to reflect the dual use agreement.
An agreement to enter a sub-lease of Burntwood Leisure Centre with the preferred operator, with the council’s Landlord the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO).
The preparation and completion of a sub-lease of Burntwood Leisure Centre to the preferred operator.
Legal advice relating to the transfer of employees assigned to the leisure centres.
Assignment of existing contracts for goods and services to the preferred operator.
Business asset transfer agreements.
Any other legal advice as required to secure the completion of the outsourcing contract.

“The legal advisors will have responsibility for ensuring that the council is properly advised with regards to legal matters and that agreements, leases and other legal documents are prepared and completed in a timely and effective manner,” the notice said.

The appointed legal advisors will report directly to the council’s Solicitor and/ or the Director of Transformation and Resources. They will also be expected to work closely with the representatives of MAX Associates and the county council’s procurement team.

The contract is expected to start on 9 September and end on 30 June 2018.