Blake Morgan supports Chiltern District Council in new leisure deal

Leading law firm Blake Morgan has supported Chiltern District Council in the completion of a landmark leisure management procurement deal for three leisure centres worth nearly £36 million.

Blake Morgan has supported the council in the procurement of the project which includes operating one new build facility and two existing facilities.

The Local Authority team advised Chiltern Council on its procurement documents, including contracts and schedules. Additional detailed employment and pension advice was provided through Blake Morgan’s dedicated teams for both the new procurement and in relation to its existing provider. Meanwhile, the property team was involved in due diligence work and preparation of the lease and relevant provisions.

Penny Rinta-Suksi, Partner and Head of Local Government England at Blake Morgan, said: “We are extremely proud to have been able to work alongside Chiltern District Council in their procurement to operate three important leisure facilities. This is an exciting chapter for the council as it increases its network of leisure centres for the local people.  We have worked across many of our practices to support Chiltern Council’s bid and now look forward to seeing the delivery and operation of these new centres that will provide a vast number of local participation, health and social benefits.”

Cllr Liz Walsh, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Chiltern District Council said: “On complex procurement deals such as this, it is essential to have a legal team with all of the specialisms required.  Blake Morgan provided these, which ensured that we could keep every element of this project running on time and to budget.  The results are a landmark contractual arrangement for three new leisure centres for all the community to enjoy for many years to come.”

Blake Morgan’s local government solicitors provide advice for a wide range of clients, including Hampshire County Council, Reading Borough Council, as well as the Department of Health.