Blake Morgan advises borough council on major leisure procurement

The law firm said the project is valued at c£235m+ over 20 years, which includes c£60m of capex spending, and encompasses the management of the council’s existing leisure facilities, including the Aquadrome, Tadley Health and Fitness Centre, and the Basingstoke Golf Centre alongside the future delivery of a brand-new water and leisure complex.

The council launched its competitive procurement process in 2024.

Blake Morgan said a multidisciplinary team supported the council throughout the procurement process, advising on the preparation of procurement documentation and the development of the DBOM contract structure.

The team also provided strategic advice on the Outline Solutions stage, evaluation criteria and the procurement process, as well as advising on implications arising from changes to the VAT treatment of in-house leisure services and the potential use of the agency model.

The team further assisted the Council in responding to bidder clarifications throughout the Selection Questionnaire (SQ), Invitation to Tender (ITT) and detailed dialogue stages. Support continued as the procurement progressed, with the team advising on all elements of the DBOM contract, including works and services provisions.

The DBOM contract reached completion on 30 June.

Commercial Partner Penny Rinta-Suksi led the team, supported by Rob Jefferies, Jenny Hodge, Emily Hunter and Tom Lloyd-Jones in the lead-up to completion (Commercial); Owen Williams (Construction) who co-led completion with Rinta-Suksi; Oliver Crich (Procurement); Angela Mildenhall, Deryn Bassett and Keely Doyle (Property); and Kath Shimmin and Angela Ho (Banking and Finance).

Penny Rinta-Suksi, Partner at Blake Morgan, said: “This is a significant and complex procurement that will help shape the future delivery of leisure services across Basingstoke and Deane for many years to come. We are delighted to have been working alongside the council on a project that combines major public infrastructure investment with the ongoing provision of essential community facilities.

"The procurement involved a wide range of commercial, construction, property and financial considerations, and it has been a pleasure to support the Council through each stage of the process. The collaborative approach taken by all parties has been key to progressing this important project to its successful completion.”

Sarah Good, Head of Major Projects and Development at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “Penny and her colleagues quickly became a trusted and integral part of our wider project team, working closely with council officers throughout the process, from developing the initial procurement structure to providing invaluable strategic and legal advice during dialogue.

“In the final stages the Blake Morgan team worked tirelessly to get us over the line and, despite the size and complexity of the DBOM process, we achieved every key milestone.”