North Yorkshire Council
Corporate Director - Environment
27 May 2026
Award of contract in relation to Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
Jennyfields, Harrogate
Report of Assistant Director – Highways and Infrastructure
1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1 To award a construction contract for improvements to Jennyfields Sports, Jennyfield Drive, Harrogate to AXO Leisure Limited.
2.0 BACKGROUND
2.1 There is currently £70,667.17 held in S106 monies for Parks and Open Spaces which is allocated to outdoor sports at Jennyfield Sports formerly the Hydro, in Harrogate. The spend by dates vary from later 2025 to mid-2033.
2.2 Over the last few years North Yorkshire Council (“Council”) has received requests to improve the current facility (a small basketball court without sides and poor-quality surfacing) to a more user-friendly facility.
3.0 DECISION
3.1 This site is one of a small handful of free of charge sports facilities in Harrogate and is the only Council operated basketball court in Harrogate.
3.2 The site is currently in poor condition, scoring only 64% when assessed in 2022.
3.3 Procurement processes have been followed for these improvements including taking into account public opinion following community engagement undertaken in Autumn 2025.
3.4 The intention is for the works to commence in June 2026 with completion in June or July 2026 (weather dependent).
3.5 The new facility will be a fenced in option to allow much better play opportunities, and it will be a larger footprint and have all new line markings for basketball and netball as well as multi-functioning hoops for the aforenamed sports. See Appendix C – Proposed design.
4.0 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED
4.1 The option to not award the contract was considered but rejected. It would result in the S106 funds expiring and being returned to the developer. This would result in the outdoor sports facility being in a poor state of repair and requiring closure and removal. This would reduce children and young people’s opportunities to play and learn.
5.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
5.1 The project is being funded from S106 monies.
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
PROJECT |
S106 money available |
Project Cost |
|
Jennyfields Sports Area |
£70,667.17 |
£68,000 |
5.2 Although an allowance has not been made in relation to contingency the contractor is unable to commence any work until mid-June and has emailed to confirm they will honour the quote regardless.
5.3 Two other quotes were also provided by alternative contractors; both were higher in value and exceeded the amount of s106 funding available.
6.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
6.1 The contract is being awarded in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules. Legal Services have supported in drafting the contract.
7.0 EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS
7.1 The Equalities Impact Assessment has overall concluded there are no adverse impacts if the proposals were to be implemented (Appendix A).
8.0 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPLICATIONS
8.1 The Climate Change Impact Assessment has not highlighted any adverse impacts as the result of the play area improvements at any of the sites (Appendix B).
9.0 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
9.1 These projects will enable children and young people to enjoy better quality facilities for years to come. It is therefore recommended the improvement projects are supported so funding is not lost. This is utilising money available to address a current shortfall in standards.
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10.0
10.1 |
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Corporate Director – Environment approves the award of contract to AXO Leisure Limited for supply and installation of improvements to the basketball court at Jennyfield Drives Sports Area, Harrogate at a value of £68,000 (+ VAT) using S106 monies. |
APPENDICIES:
Appendix A – Equalities Impact Assessment
Appendix B – Climate Change Impact Assessment
Appendix C – Proposed design
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: None
Barrie Mason
Assistant Director – Highways and Infrastructure
County Hall
Northallerton
27 May 2026
Report Author – Kate Dawson, Community Assets and Engagement Manager