Leases to run Coffs Harbour War Memorial Swimming Pool, Woolgoolga Swimming Pool and Sawtell Swimming Pool have been awarded to one company after an open tender process.
Potential lessees were offered the option of operating one pool or more and Lane 4 Pty Ltd from Lambton NSW, trading as Lane 4 Aquatics, put forward a successful proposal to run all three. Previously, each pool has been run by a separate operator.
“In assessing all the submissions, it was apparent there were extensive cost and service efficiency benefits for Council and the community by the pools being run by one operator,” said Andrew Beswick, Council’s Director Business Services.
“While it would be ideal to see a local company chosen as the operator, the other tenders presented did not represent the most economic or efficient outcome.
“Aquatic programmes and infrastructure investment in the facilities by the tenderers was also considered as part of the evaluation of the proposed business plans, as well as their ability to work with community and user groups.
“We have also been assured that Lane 4 Aquatics intends to offer all current pool employees the opportunity to apply for positions within the new operations.”
The lease periods offered for each site are:
- Coffs Harbour War Memorial Swimming Pool: Ten years with the option to extend for a further ten years.
- Sawtell Swimming Pool: Five years with the option to extend for a further five years.
- Woolgoolga Swimming Pool: Five years with the option to extend for a further five years.
The new leases begin on July 1 2017.
