Decision details

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval to go out to tender for a contract for City Centre events.  A long term (3-5 year) contract, via tender, with a provider or providers who deliver markets, events, promotions and other activities within the whole of the City Centre but with the ability to sub-contract parts of those activities. 

To delegate authority to the Director for Environment and Economy, following consultation with the Head of Finance and IT (CFO), Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, and Senior Manager Property and Procurement; to produce, finalise and approve the range of documents necessary for the tender of a contract for City Centre markets, events and other activities using the most appropriate procurement route.

1.  Outdoor space in the City Centre has the potential to provide more events and other activity to the entertain residents, visitors and workers of Southampton and help to increase in footfall in the City Centre.

2.  Increased activity will also generate an increased income for the City Council.

1.  The option of the Council doing nothing could lead to a stagnation of the City Centre activity and footfall.

2.  The Council could tender more than one long term (3-5 year) contract awarded on the basis of geographic areas (i.e. one for Guildhall Square, one for the Precinct, etc).  This has been rejected as this could lead to administrative confusion, lack of oversight, co-ordination and flexibility.

3.  The Council could tender more than one long term (3-5 year) contract awarded on the basis of function (i.e. one for markets, one for promotions, etc).  This has been rejected as the markets promotions and events are not independent but more interdependent and symbiotic by nature.

4.  The Council could instigate shorter term arrangements that are ad hoc with SCC actively promoting opportunities.  This has been rejected as using space within the City Centre has the potential to contribute to the vision set out in the City Centre Masterplan to create a city that is a great place to do business, visit and live.  To achieve this longer term co-ordination and flexibility is required which short term arrangements do not meet.

5.  The Council could bring the management of all markets, events and promotions in-house (and not tender space in the City Centre for these activities).  This would include appointing staff to take to manage this process.  This has been rejected as the Council has no expertise in this area.