GRANGEWATERS, Thurrock’s outdoor education centre, is to be out-sourced – although that might mean a staff mutual charitable co-operative is created.
The future of the South Ockendon-based centre was discussed at Wednesday (27 August) evening’s meeting of Thurrock Council’s cabinet.
Members were being asked to agree to the start of a procurement process to find organisations willing to run the centre.
Council leader and education portfolio holder, Cllr John Kent, said: “We started asking what its future could and should be back in 2011 and in the past year we as a council have put a great deal of officer and member time into looking at the options, discussing them, and coming up with a proposal.
“Grangewaters is one of those ‘secret jewels’ we have in Thurrock; somewhere that has given great enjoyment and pleasure to thousand upon thousand of local people – young and old.
“With 70 acres of managed and natural woodland, two lakes and open grassland as well as activity areas, accommodation and everything else it boasts, Grangewaters will undoubtedly attract interest from private investors – it just saddens me that we cannot continue subsidising it in these difficult times.”
He added: “However I am concerned that current staff members feel they have been left out and I want to make sure that the option of a staff mutual charitable co-operative is fully investigated.
“There are times when following the detail of the procurement process is frustrating. We make a decision here or at council and then have to wait while the legally necessary process grinds into action.
“This time the delay is to everyone’s advantage. We can agree to move forward and while we are waiting for procurement to follow its convoluted course we have time to ensure that staff members are given the chance to get fully involved.
“There is also a concern that the commissioning process will change before it is complete, so while we’re being asked whether or not we should out-source the management of Grangewaters, we are also asking officers to come back to us if those changes affect what we can do or what we want to do.
“I am looking forward to see who puts their name forward to run this excellent facility while promising to keep it as a key Thurrock community asset.
“I believe that by doing this we will encourage some different, new and innovative proposals.”
