Former Port Lincoln Mayor Peter Davis was with Council when it created the city’s existing aquatic centre, and warns of its ongoing financial difficulties. He recalls that when the facility, then known as the Port Lincoln Leisure Centre was first built it was predicted to financially break even, but design faults and insufficient patronage created significant losses. Davis explained “at the end of the first financial year the loss turned out to be about $117,000. That loss spiralled upwards to about $300,000 within about five years.” Davis said attempts to increase patronage and reduce losses, by building a stadium alongside the swimming facility, were unsuccessful. He adds “the losses spiralled upwards … the cost of the Leisure Centre complex then was about $700,000 a year, including the repayments.” As a result, the facility was sold in 2000 to the Sarin Group for $1.5 million, from whom the Councuk are now buying it back. – See more at: http://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/port-lincoln-council-to-buy-and-refurbish-city-pool/#sthash.5TYYsGdJ.dpuf
Port Lincoln Council to buy and refurbish city pool – Australasian Leisure Management.
