Decision details

In November 2020 the Council received notification that the South East Local Enterprise Partnership had determined to award GBF funding in the sum of £1.97 million in support of the Council's GBF Application.
Subsequent to this, the Council initiated the procurement of an Operating Partner, to support the work of the Council's Design Team with regard to the Jaywick Sands Covered Market and Managed Workspace facility and to provide business support services. This work will include developing the local tenant base prior to the facility's opening in April 2022.
The Operating Partner will work with the Council and its Professional Team (HAT Projects) to inform and support the preparation of detailed design and layout plans for the Jaywick Sands Covered Market

To appoint COLBEA as the Council's Operating Partner, to work with the Council's Design Team and to provide business support services.

Option 1 - Do Nothing
Given that the Council has been awarded funding to support the delivery of the proposed facility and that the Council has appointed a professional team to: bring forward the detailed design; secure planning consent; and manage the construction works, this option was discounted.
Option 2 - In-house Provision
The Council lacks the necessary experience in operating a managed workspace facility. Neither does it have the capacity to produce a detailed business plan for the facility and provide business support services for prospective tenants of the building.
Option 3 - Contracted Service
This was considered to be the most attractive option - contracting with an experienced operator/provider to work with the Council and its professional team during the design and construction phase.