Hackney Council has approved the commencement of a tender process for a new contract to manage its tennis facilities and develop community tennis programmes, aiming to boost participation and ensure best value for money. The decision was made at the Officer Executive Decisions meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The new contract, expected to commence in October 2026 following a tender process that includes tender returns in June 2026, will cover the management and operation of tennis facilities across Hackney. These sites include Clissold Park Tennis Pavilion, Joe White Gardens, Hackney Downs, London Fields, Millfields, Spring Hill Recreation Ground, and Springfield Park. The agreement is set to run for an initial five-year period, with an option to extend for a further two years.
The estimated value of the contract over its potential seven-year duration is £6,720,000, based on the current supplier's annual turnover. The council's current model, where the appointed provider retains income and pays a concession fee, is considered the most effective way to balance financial return with service quality and risk transfer. The procurement process is expected to generate an annual concession fee to the Council, estimated at around £70,000 per annum.
Under the new contract, the successful tenderer will be responsible for the delivery of a Tennis Development Plan for the Borough. This plan aims to promote and develop tennis across all sites, with a strong focus on increasing participation across all sections of the community. Specific efforts will be made to engage children and young people, older people, disabled users, and minority groups through inclusive programming, affordable introductory opportunities, and targeted outreach activities.
The council will ensure inclusivity and accessibility through several mechanisms. The Partner's Pricing Policy must promote the principles of equality of access and sustainability. The contract will require the operator to deliver inclusive programming, affordable introductory opportunities, and targeted outreach activities. Furthermore, the contract will include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relating to equalities and will require the successful provider to demonstrate how they will support a diverse and inclusive workforce and ensure ethical delivery of the service. The specification will include pricing controls, inclusive programming, equality monitoring, and targeted outreach to ensure broad and equitable access.
The contract will also deliver social value through increased access to sport, improved health and wellbeing, and targeted engagement with under-represented groups. Wider benefits such as volunteering, coaching development, and community engagement are also expected. These outcomes will be monitored through contract management and performance reporting arrangements, with KPIs specifically addressing social value commitments.
The report highlighted that the existing contract with Hackney Tennis has seen sustained growth, with annual bookings rising and high public engagement. A 2021 survey indicated that 85.1% of respondents were satisfied with the service, and 90.4% rated it as good value for money.
The council's current service provider, Hackney City Tennis Club, has been engaged in discussions regarding the proposed re-procurement, including consideration of TUPE implications, suggesting potential implications for the current provider and its staff.
This procurement aligns with Hackney Council's strategic framework, supporting the Community Strategy 2018–28's aim of fostering healthy, active residents and the Hackney Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026's goal of encouraging active lifestyles and community cohesion.
Several options were considered and rejected, including continuing with the current operation without competition, bringing the service in-house due to a perceived lack of specialist expertise, and tendering in separate lots. The closure of the service was also rejected as it would result in the loss of a valued community service and reduce physical activity opportunities.
The successful tenderer will be responsible for the maintenance and utilities for the tennis courts and Clissold Park Pavilion, while the Council will manage major whole-life costs such as court resurfacing. The Council will also continue to seek grant funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to enhance tennis provision, having been successful in obtaining such funding in the past. The specific integration of this funding with the new contract's objectives is not detailed.
The contract will include KPIs covering service delivery, participation levels, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and the delivery of the Tennis Development Plan, as well as measures relating to equalities, health and safety, sustainability, and social value commitments.
Further details on the tender process can be found in the Public reports pack for the Officer Executive Decisions meeting.