Issue details

In response to Covid-19, the Government required all theatres to close between 17 March 2020 and 14 August and again between 5 November and 1 December 2020. A further lockdown was introduced 26 December 2020 until mid-April 2021. The Hawth reopened late August under strict social distancing requirements resulting in significantly reduced audience capacities with many shows having to be cancelled or rescheduled into 2022.

PPN02/20 and PPN04/20 set out Government guidance for contracting authorities working with suppliers over the course of the pandemic. The guidance encouraged contracting authorities to provide support for suppliers to ensure their continued existence and to enable services to be re-established once distancing measures were lifted. The contract was suspended and replaced by a Deed of Variation (DOV).

During this time period the existing contract ended (February 2022). Negotiations then commenced between the Council and Parkwood Leisure (PL) resulting in a four year contract extension being awarded commencing 1 February 2022 and finishing on 31 January 2026. The contract extension was based on the terms of the original contract.

During the extension period a legal mechanism was put in place allowing either party to return back to contract, and moving away from Covid Relief support.