Expressions Of Interest Invited for Segments of Griffith's Aquatic Centre

Thursday October 9, 2014

Griffith City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the lease of the gym, crèche and kiosk facilities at the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre (GRALC).

The resolution to invite EOI applications follows an extensive period of community consultation earlier this year seeking input from residents for their vision of the future of the aquatic centre. This community input was combined with recommendations put forth by RPM & Associates and Tredwell Management Services.

EOIs are being sought from suitably qualified providers to lease these various non-water based facilities in a single lease, combination, or as separate leases for each facility. Council will continue to maintain operational and management control of all the aquatic based facilities.

The EOI process is designed to ensure the community continues to enjoy safe, sustainable and affordable facilities that are modern, well run and vibrant, according to Griffith Mayor John Dal Broi.

“The Aquatic & Leisure Centre is a valued asset in our community and we are now taking the important next step of inviting EOI applications from experienced and professional individuals or operators to manage the gym, crèche and kiosk segments of the centre,” Mayor John Dal Broi said. “We anticipate that leasing these facilities will ensure our ultimate goal for this centre to be recognised by the community as one of the leading aquatic and fitness facilities in regional Australia,” Mayor Dal Broi added.

Opened in February 2000, Griffith’s Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre provides a wide variety of programs and services to the Griffith community.

In considering each EOI, Council will look to demonstrate which proposal will provide the best overall outcome for the Griffith community, explained Councillor Mike Neville, Chair of the Cultural Facilities Committee, which oversees the Aquatic Centre.

“The EOIs will be short listed, evaluated and reported to Council for a decision on any successful proponent or whether a further tender process is required,” Councillor Neville said. “At the same time, it is important to note that the EOI process does not mean a final decision regarding the leasing of these facilities. That decision will be made once the results of the EOI process have been collated and referred to Council for a decision,” he added.

Council’s Director of Business, Cultural & Financial Services Max Turner said that a Master Plan, which will incorporate proposed future developments across the entire facility, is currently being developed and expected to be completed in April 2015.

Important information:

• The deadline for the EOI applications is 3pm on Friday November 21, 2014.
• EOI applications should provide a detailed response to the requirements outlined in the EOI documents which are available on Griffith City Council’s website and its administration building at 1 Benerembah Street, Griffith.
• EOI applications should be marked “Expression of Interest to Lease (insert name of facility) GRALC” and posted or delivered to Griffith City Council, PO Box 485, Griffith NSW 2680.
• To view the EOI document, please click here http://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-RVW-15-00-61.
• For further information, please contact Max Turner on (02) 6962 8115 or email Max.Turner@griffith.nsw.gov.au.