BlueFit set to operate seven additional aquatic and recreation facilities from July
Facility management company Bluefit’s ongoing growth is seeing the business ready to commence operations at seven new facilities from July - including their first sites under management in South Australia and Western Australia.
After relocating its site support office to Melbourne in late 2018, and building a team for growth, Bluefit founder and Chief Executive, Todd McHardy explains "partnering with more councils and communities across the country is a privilege we won't take lightly.
"BlueFit has invested significant capital in the past 12 months in additional support staff and as part of its digital transformation journey. We're well on our way to delivering industry leading user experience at every site to improve customer satisfaction. Implementing systems to ensure a seamless customer experience during every interaction with our staff."
Sites that will commence with Bluefit management this July include
Belmont Oasis, Western Australia
City of Belmont Chief Executive Officer John Christie thanked the outgoing management company for their services, stating “the Tender process was professionally managed and meticulousness, and while the incumbent offered a competitive tender, BlueFit was able to demonstrate a different approach for the City and the community who use the facility.
“The City of Belmont is looking forward to working with BlueFit with an expanded service that will benefit our community.”
Looking forward, McHardy advised "BlueFit has a proven history of meeting the objectives of its Council partners in an open and transparent manner. We see the Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre as a great facility to implement the programs we developed at other aquatic venues with health clubs and stadiums attached."
Port Macquarie Hastings Swimming Pools, NSW
BlueFit have also secured the management of the four Port Macquarie Hastings Swimming Pools. Port Macquarie Hastings Council Director of Development and Environment, Melissa Watkins, confirmed that "BlueFit's submission demonstrated a sound understanding of the local community needs, including targeted programs and services to actively engage non-users of leisure facilities.
“The current transition is tracking well towards the first pool opening under the new contract in Port Macquarie on 1st August 2019.”
McHardy added "the Port Macquarie contract expands our region between existing facilities under management in Coffs Harbour and Newcastle and confirms our continual commitment to leisure in regional areas. The ability to brand and operate these Port Macquarie Hastings aquatic centres together and promote an 'all-of-council' approach to swimming is something we've done successfully for other council partners"
Penshurst Indoor Cricket Training Facility, NSW
BlueFit have managed the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre since 2009 and will soon add the adjoining Norm O'Neill Cricket Training Facility to its operations.
Commenting on working with Bluefit, Laurie O'Connor, Director Assets and Infrastructure at Georges River Council explained "this is a $5.5m investment into recreation for our community and we're looking forward to this facility adding to the service provided within the Penshurst Park Sports Hub.
“We have built a strong partnership with Todd and his BlueFit team and their submission for management illustrated the operational efficiencies and opportunities with the aquatic centre next door".
Speaking on this contract, McHardy went to say "once all three stages of this Sporting Precinct extension is complete, annual attendance will surpass 1.5 million, making it one of the most utilised leisure and recreation hubs in the country. Our relationship with Council is great and their continual investment into these facilities should be applauded."
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Elizabeth Aquadome, South Australia
Another site currently in transition is the Aquadome, the popular community aquatic hub in the Adelaide suburb of Elizabeth.
The City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said he was looking forward to the new partnership that will see the Aquadome maintain its position as the pre-eminent aquatic centre in northern Adelaide, advising “the Aquadome is a very busy community facility and we’re really keen for BlueFit to capitalise on past successes by bringing a new perspective to our iconic centre.”
Welcoming this new contract, McHardy stated "entering the SA market is exciting and to partner with a great Council on the management of an iconic facility is a great opportunity. Council representatives went to the effort of meeting our current council partners in person, which vindicates the importance we put on partnership.”
He went on to conclude "Team BlueFit are excited to be joining new local government partners to deliver the highest standards of leisure services that continue to Inspire Community Activity."
Image: Todd McHardy with City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty at the Elizabeth Aquadome.
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