Active Hartlepool is seeking providers to deliver baby and infant swim sessions at the new Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, opening summer 2026. EOIs close noon 20 April 2026.
Key details
Closing date for submissions of an expression of interest is: 12noon: Monday 20th April 2026.
Enquiries to: Ian Gray: ian.gray@hartlepool.gov.uk. (01429) 284123
Introduction
With an overarching commitment to enable and encourage more people to more be active more often, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Active Hartlepool service is seeking expressions of interest from appropriate, experienced and qualified organisations, to deliver a range of aquatic activities for babies and infants up to 2 years of age, at Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub.
Our aspiration is to support children and adults to develop positive, active lifestyle habits, beginning with ante and post-natal, family orientated provision.
Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub
Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, located adjacent to the marina in Hartlepool, is a state-of-the-art facility which is due to open to the public in summer 2026. It comprises a 25m x 8 lane swimming pool, a 25 x 4 lane swimming pool with movable floor and a leisure pool with floor depths ranging from zero to 0.8m.
The two main pools have disabled access via provision of a hoist, although clearly the movable floor allows for activity provision at incremental depths.
The pools are supported by a changing village with a small buggy park, lockers, family changing and baby changing facilities.
Other facilities onsite include a gym, spinning studio, fitness studios, soft play and café. Car parking is free but restricted to three hours only and incorporates spaces for disabled customers.
Importantly, Highlight will also include a hugely positive and significant partnership with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, who will deliver a range of clinics from four dedicated consultation suites within the building. Amongst the services will be a very strong commitment to ante and post-natal support, led by the Trusts’ maternity services. The Foundation Trust and Highlight staff will work very closely to introduce, support and enable people to maintain, a beneficial and more active lifestyle.
Active Hartlepool aquatic offer
Although the successful applicant will be classed as a standard hirer of facilities, Active Hartlepool are keen to explore and develop mutually beneficial, positive and collaborative working relationships with external partners, to support opportunities for local people and to sustain opportunities into the future.
Active Hartlepool currently offers Swim England’s Ducklings programme for children aged 2+ and is keen to retain this as part of its “participant pathway”. So, as children progress through baby/infant activities, the provider will be required to work with the Active Hartlepool team, to ensure a seamless transition into the Active Hartlepool Duckling’s programme.
The opportunity
We would welcome expressions of interest in relation to the following opportunities.
The following sessions are currently available in the 4 lane x 25m pool, based upon 1 teaching station of 53m sq metres in size. Please note that the following days and times may change slightly.
- Sunday afternoon between 3.30pm-4.30pm and 4.30pm-5.30pm
- Tuesday between 12pm-1.00pm
- Thursday between 12pm -1.00pm
Please note, there is no obligation to accept all the sessions outlined, but please specify in your EOI, which are preferred.
Accreditations
The provider is required to have appropriate and current accreditations from Swim England and/or RLSS.
The provider is required to deliver its programme using appropriately qualified and experienced pre-school swim teachers.
Confirmation of the above is required as part of the EOI. Evidence of the above will be required prior to signing an agreement.
Exclusivity
To protect Active Hartlepool’s Ducklings programme, Active Hartlepool would like to understand the provider’s current or planned provision to deliver post-2yrs activity in Hartlepool. Confirmation of the above is required as part of the EOI.
Booking terms and conditions
The successful applicant will be subject to the standard booking and payment terms and conditions applied by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Active Hartlepool Service. Details can be provided if requested.
Given the specialised nature of the activity, Active Hartlepool is proposing that a service level agreement is established with a minimum duration of 6months, to allow time for business development and partnership working to evolve. This can be extended beyond 6 months by mutual agreement.
Cancellation of the booking by Active Hartlepool will be in line with standard terms and conditions. Cancellation by the hirer will require a minimum of 6 weeks notice.
Booking fee
Offers over £50/station/hour are invited.
Payment for the sessions will be invoiced on a monthly basis, with standard Hartlepool Borough Council payment terms applied.
Insurance
The Tenant will be responsible for obtaining their own liability insurance cover. Active Hartlepool will require a copy of a current policy at the point of signing the agreement, alongside details of the qualifications of instructors/teachers operating sessions.
Assignment & Subletting
Not permitted.
Supporting Information
The prospective tenant must provide 2 trade and 1 personal reference.
Submissions
Expressions of interest are to be submitted in writing before the closing date.
The submission should be entitled “Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub – Baby & Infant Aquatics” and include:
- confirmation of the hourly rate proposed, written numerically and in words
- name and address of the applicant or company
- details in response to specific elements outlined within this document (e.g accreditations; exclusivity etc)
- signature of the applicant
- date signed
EOI’s should be sent in an envelope marked “Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub – Baby & Infant Aquatics” and posted to: Ian Gray, Leisure Operations & Development Manager, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY