Interest in leisure centre

By Kate Taylor

Two expressions of interest have so far been received in the process to lease gym facilities at the Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre.

The leasing of the facility was decided on when councillors opted to not renew the contract with Belgravia Leisure to provide services at the centre, and instead have council manage it.

The item was discussed at the April 5 council meeting, however no further details have emerged.

Gym member Kathy addressed the meeting in Public Question Time saying that she is among a group of about 20 members concerned about the gym possibly closing.

“What active steps is council taking to find another provider?” she asked at the meeting, also noting that there are over 55s and disability groups also using the facilities.

Acting CEO Danny Colgan told the meeting in response that council has just begun the expressions of interest process, which closes on 20 April, and that two applications have already been received.

“We know it served a broad range of the community,” he said.

“If we are unsuccessful, we will come back to council to assess alternative options, maybe renting space on an hourly rate. We’ve already had two perspective applicants.”

The Moorabool News asked council for further information on any EOIs received so far, but council declined to comment while the process is ongoing.

A report on the EOI process is expected to be brought before the June council meeting.