Decision details

In August 2017 Cabinet agreed that a procurement exercise would be undertaken to secure a Preston Youth Zone Operator. This ensured that the potential for state aid issues was negated by opening the opportunity to competition through a procurement process which complied with the Concession Contracts Regulations (2016).

In April 2018 Cabinet agreed that the County Council capital contribution to the Preston Youth Zone scheme would be capped at £5.925m, with any additional capital requirements (estimated at £2.6m) being met by the private/voluntary sector delivery partner. The council had also previously made a commitment to make a revenue contribution of £150,000 per annum to the operation of the Youth Zone for and initial implied period of 10 years.

The procurement process commenced on 19th April and concluded on 8th June with no bids received.

It is now necessary for Cabinet to consider the next steps for the delivery of a Preston Youth Zone. The options considered within this report are:

•  Undertake a further procurement exercise on the same terms and conditions

•  Re-procure on different terms and conditions

•  Approach interested organisations directly

•  Withdraw from the project

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

Cabinet approved the recommendations as set out in the report, with the added recommendation that officers explore with stakeholders alternative options that might work in the current environment.