By Cam Lucadou-Wells
YMCA Victoria will continue to manage Casey Council’s three aquatic centres until at least 2024 after winning a competitive tender process.
The confidential six-year contract with two optional two-year extensions covers Casey ARC, Casey RACE and Doveton Pool in the Park from 1 July 2018.
The YMCA bid provided the “best financial guaranteed net lump sum return” to the council, according to a Casey report.
Its cost has been kept confidential to “preserve competitive tension” in future tender processes.
Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said a strong emphasis was placed on “innovative and inclusive programming”, in particular YMCA’s ‘One Casey branding strategy.
“(The strategy) will assist in unifying all stadium and aquatic facilities under one single brand to provide maximum benefits to our community.
“As the YMCA (is) already operating these three facilities there will be no transition impact on our users.”
The YMCA bid included “streamlining” staff numbers across the three centres, providing 24/7 health club access, launching Casey Care Foundation and partnering with Melbourne Football Club.
Unsuccessful bids came from Belgravia Leisure Group, Blue Fit and the Richmond Football Club-owned Aligned Leisure group, which runs aquatic and health facilities in Cardinia Shire.
YMCA executive officer Anthony Neal said the deal built on YMCA’s local partnerships in Casey over 20 years.
“From our world-leading swimming lesson program to delivering the latest in virtual group fitness and supporting those less fortunate through our Casey Care Foundation, we are ready for the exciting challenge of helping more people enjoy the active, healthy lifestyle they deserve.”
