Pulse lands leisure development contract worth 'up to £45m'

Pulse has won a 20-year contract to become Suffolk Coastal District Council’s (SCDC) Strategic Leisure Development Partner in a deal potentially worth up to £45m.

The contract will see Pulse work with SCDC and its Strategic Leisure Operations Partner - Places for People Leisure - to develop existing and new leisure facilities and services in the district. The partnership and £45m contract value also incorporates the potential redevelopment, equip and operational support of a number of other facilities within four additional local authorities’ portfolios listed on the tender - namely North Norfolk District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Bolsover District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

Health Club Management understands that talks have reached the final stages with at least two of these additionally named parties. The tender was carried out in such a way to save the local authorities from potential further expenditure in the procurement process.

SCDC expects to invest between £10-20m in its leisure facilities over the next 20 years. As part of the deal, Pulse will provide Suffolk Coastal District Council with advice, support and proposals on design, funding, strategic planning, marketing, branding and operational best practice, as well as acting as SCDC’s principal supplier for all building works and services.

“We were impressed by Pulse’s track record and other facilities that they’ve worked on, such as Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft, which is going from strength to strength,” said councillor Richard Kerry, SCDC’s cabinet member with responsibility for Community Health.

“Our aim is to increase participation in all forms of leisure. It is not just about sport, it is about encouraging people to be more active. We’re looking forward to working with Pulse to develop our strategy and leisure facilities in the area, as well as improve participation and accessibility.”

Pulse was awarded the contract after scoring highest and being ranked first in all sections of the tender submission.

“This is a landmark contract for Pulse and a testament to our previous work as a strategic leisure development partner and leading leisure solutions provider,” said Aron Nassim, director of projects at Pulse.

“The long term partnership reflects our shared vision of improving the health and wellbeing of communities through strategic investment and innovative thinking. We are confident that alongside Suffolk Coastal and the Leisure Operations Partner, we will greatly improve existing facilities, create exciting new leisure spaces and ensure important participation, health and environmental targets are not only met but exceeded.”