WE feel it is important to clarify some of the points raised around the council’s decision to let the Highcliffe Castle Tea Room contract to Aramark UK rather than one of the other high quality tenders received.

We understand how important the tea room is to the local area and the requirement to use local suppliers, employ local people and engage with the local community are all emphasised in the contract.

The contract which has been let is based in great detail on the existing contract so as not to disadvantage the current operator throughout the procurement process.

Much has been said about the length of the contract, but the current contract has operated for 17 years so this one is actually slightly shorter. The main reason for the length of the contract was to encourage investment in a facility that requires modernisation.

The contract length was requested by a group of members, chosen by Policy and Resources Committee, when they approved the contract to go to tender.

This contract will also see increased annual revenues and at a time when we are required to make £213k of savings in 2019/20 it is vital we look to increase our revenue where we can.

Aramark UK have experience at a number of similar heritage sites, including Bletchley Park, and Malahide Castle, Ireland as well as other sites in Dorset. They are also recipients of many awards including The World’s Most Ethical Companies Award 2015.

Our overriding priority is to provide a high quality tea room that local residents and visitors can enjoy and we are pleased to welcome Aramark UK and look forward to a successful partnership delivering high quality food with a community focus.

CLLR CLAIRE BATH

Deputy Leader of Christchurch Borough Council, Civic Offices

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