Belgravia Leisure to manage Port Stephens aquatic facilities

Belgravia Leisure is to take on the management of Port Stephens Council's aquatic and recreation facilities the Lakeside Leisure Centre, Tomaree Aquatic Centre and Tilligerry Aquatic Centre.

As the summer season approaches, Belgravia Leisure will officially take over management of the facilities on 14th September, with current contractor YMCA NSW to finish the day before.

Commenting on the change Port Stephens Council Community Services Section Manager Steven Bernasconi, stated "all the facilities and programs people currently enjoy at whichever of the three pools they attend will continue as normal.

"Pool goers may notice a few changes at the centres in the days leading up to the changeover as the YMCA prepares to move out and Belgravia moves in, but overall everything will remain the same to ensure a smooth transition."

Belgravia Leisure NSW Regional Manager Paul Curtis said the Melbourne-based company was excited to be part of the Port Stephens community.

Curtis stated "the most important thing for people to know is that there's going to be no change – it's business as usual, and what we hope to bring in is a more diverse program mix.

"Programs tailored to specific groups in the community, such as people with a disability, will continue – the only difference people will see is a name change.

"We will have employment opportunities for current staff, and our experience at Cessnock City Council was that we retained 100% of existing staff which is very likely to occur in Port Stephens."

The YMCA had managed the Tomaree Aquatic Centre since 2010.

Belgravia Leisure recently took over the management of the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre for the neighbouring Cessnock City Council.

Image: Tomaree Aquatic Centre.