Southbourne promenade contract halted
By Emily Moore·A Southbourne Promenade concession contract has been suspended after a formal legal challenge was received.
The proposed agreement, which would run for 20 years, was halted by BCP Council with immediate effect, pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, on the same day the procurement standstill period for the proposed agreement had been due to expire on 11 November.
Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, welcomed the decision and said it gives those involved “some breathing space” to review the procurement process, understand the current position and consider what should happen next.
He said the suspension was “a positive, constructive step forward” and added that residents should have confidence that the correct processes have been followed for a significant local long term commitment in Southbourne.
Mr Hayes said he is continuing to seek answers to questions about the process, with the contract award now on hold at BCP Council until the legal proceedings reach a conclusion.
