The Glenorchy City Council has reappointed the former operator to run the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool when it reopens after extensive repairs.
The facility closed in 2023 – the same year it recorded its busiest January on record – and is expected to reopen mid-year.
Acting Mayor Russell Yaxley said Belgravia Leisure still had time remaining on its original contract when the pool closed for repairs.
“On the basis that Belgravia Leisure had two years to run on its contract at the time of the closure, along with the difficulties associated with running another tender process while repairs are still underway, council has determined to reappoint Belgravia Leisure for a period of two years,” he said.
A new tender process will be opened once that two-year period ends.
Belgravia was originally awarded the contract in 2020 after an open tender process, taking over from the YMCA, which had operated the pool for a decade.
The decision drew criticism from MPs at the time, who raised concerns about an interstate company replacing a local operator during the COVID-19 recovery.
Then-mayor Kristie Johnston said Belgravia was chosen “for a variety of reasons, including their capacity and expertise and overall ability to offer the best service to the Glenorchy community”.
Yaxley said the early decision to reappoint Belgravia would give the operator time to recruit staff and prepare for school swimming carnivals ahead of summer.
“Belgravia Leisure has extensive experience operating pools in Australia and New Zealand and we are pleased to be able to offer it the opportunity to again operate the pool on behalf of Council and effectively serve out the original contract,” he said.
“We know the community is excitedly looking ahead to the start of next summer when a revitalised pool will be reopened.”
Repairs to the Anfield Street facility are now approaching the halfway mark.
