The search is on to find a new operator to run council-owned leisure facilities in Southampton while the authority considers its long-term investment plans.

Cabinet members have approved an “urgent” request to launch a procurement process for a short-term leisure contract.

Councillors were told negotiations to agree a three-year extension with current contractor Places Leisure broke down.

The existing agreement, which expires at the end of August, involved sub-contracting the operation of facilities to Active Nation UK Ltd, however, this company ceased trading in early April.

The council announced on April 2 that memberships, bookings and staff would be transferred to Places Leisure from the following day.

READ MORE: New 900 place secondary school could open in just two years - despite 'huge concerns'

The procurement process approved at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 29, is expected to cost the council £35,000 for assistance from consultants Max Associates and £50,000 for external legal support.

The successful bidder for the four-year contract will be responsible for operating the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, Bitterne Leisure Centre, the Outdoor Sports Centre and Alpine Ski Lodge, and the associated sports pitches.

An indicative timeline within an officer report suggested the contract could be awarded on June 28, with the new operation commencing on September 1.

The council’s city services team will continue to provide the grounds maintenance of the Outdoor Sports Centre, Lordshill Recreation Ground, Mayfield Recreation Ground, Green Park, Millbrook Recreation Ground, Veracity Ground, Riverside Park and Hoglands Park.

READ MORE: Council reveals membership update after leisure centre operator pulls out of city

Cabinet member for compliance and leisure Cllr Toqeer Kataria said: “Approving this recommendation will ensure that the council has adequate time to develop and implement the adapt, grow, thrive leisure project while maintaining continuity of leisure services across the city.

“This matter is being brought forward as an urgent item due to the tight timeframes that we currently have.

“The short-term contract aligns with the council’s We Can Be Active leisure strategy, which aims to encourage residents to be more active and ensure accessible leisure provision.”

Cllr Kataria told cabinet colleagues the decision would not impact the major Outdoor Sports Centre redevelopment or the separate work to find a provider to run Woodmill Activity Centre and Southampton Water Activity Centre.

Deputy leader Cllr Simon Letts said work was due to begin on-site for the £34.6 million Outdoor Sports Centre scheme in May, with a 15-month build-out.

There would be “further exciting news” at future cabinet meetings on redeveloping Southampton’s wider leisure offer, Cllr Letts said.

He added: “We have some quite tired facilities in the city that maybe are over 30 years old.

“This is the opportunity we are taking to reinvest in leisure and to ensure that we prepare our leisure facilities in line with people’s aspirations going into the next 10, 15, 20 years.”