Bay Venues Limited (also referred to as BVL and "the Buyer") is a Council Controlled Company (CCO) established in 2013. BVL own and manage a network of 24 recreation and leisure venues across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, on behalf of Tauranga City Council (TCC). Bay Venues Ltd have responsibility for planning for the long-term future of this network to ensure it continues to provide for the diverse range of needs of the growing population. BVL's purpose is: "We are the kaitiaki of community facilities. We care for and optimise our facilities to create value for Tauranga City and enhance the quality of life of its people, now and into the future". To achieve this, our network of facilities need to be fit for purpose, well utilised and future proofed.

BVL is seeking qualified, capable and experienced suppliers (also referred to as consultants and "Respondents") to undertake a detailed feasibility study to further investigate the opportunity to develop a contemporary, multipurpose recreation and leisure hub in the Tauranga CBD. This facility could incorporate aquatics, community centre space, indoor courts, fitness centre, retail and potentially aquatic leisure tourism (hot pools and spa facilities).

The 2018-2028 TCC Long-Term Plan (LTP) currently includes $30 million of capital funding for a new facility, split across two financial years with $5million in 2022 and $25 million in 2023. The funding is provisional on the outcomes of this feasibility study.

Ultimately the feasibility study will be used by BVL to inform Tauranga City Council (TCC) decision making and to determine whether a multipurpose recreation and leisure hub in the CBD will be progressed.