Private operator plan for city arena

Derby City Council is considering handing over the running of its leisure and catering facilities to "external operators" in a bid to save money.

Cabinet members have been recommended to sign-off a procurement process for the day-to-day running of Derby Arena, Springwood Leisure Centre in Oakwood and a number of cafes.

Documents show the council is to appoint external consultants and legal advisers to help with the process at a cost of £150,000.

Wayne Sills, the city council's leisure services manager, said: "With the increased financial pressures on the overall council budget, there is a need to consider the best model of delivery for services."

Other facilities involved in the procurement process include the community room, sports facilities and Waterside Cafe at Alvaston Park and the Orangery and kiosks at Markeaton Park.

The council said the previous outsourcing of Moorways Sports Village "increased opportunities for capital investment in facilities" over the life of the contract and exceeded visitor targets.

The council said the opening of Becketwell Arena in 2025 would result in fewer live shows at Derby Arena, providing more opportunities to focus on sporting events.

Reports seen by councillors show the council investigated four running models for its leisure and catering services.

The study found outsourcing the day-to-day running of the facilities to a private operator or a charity would save the council between £375,000 and £1.1m.

Mr Sills added: "Based upon the work undertaken... the council should consider the outsourcing of the Derby Arena, Springwood Leisure Centre and the catering outlets."

Cabinet members are expected to sign off the proposals at a meeting on 13 November.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.