Northern Beaches reduces membership fees at redeveloped Manly aquatic centre

Facing public criticism over usage and membership costs at the recently reopened Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre, Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council is to halve membership prices at the facility.

The former Manly Council (now part of the Northern Beaches Council) originally argued the fees were justified because the fitness centre membership gave an ‘all access pass’ to the gym and sauna facilities, fitness classes and the swim centre.

The facility offered no stand alone annual membership for the gym, instead a casual visit was priced at $19.

At a recent Council meeting, Administrator Dick Persson agreed  that the cost of an annual adult pass be slashed from almost $2766.40 to $1248 while a concession would drop from $2329.60 to $1092.

The reduced all access pass follows a reversal of fees for use of the swimming facilities, which were dropped by almost half earlier this year.

A report to the Council explained “the net financial impact to (the) council is expected to be positive as a result of providing an accessible and value-for-money service.

“It is anticipated the new fees and charges are adopted and the difference in membership pricing is refunded to existing members.”

The $17.5 million redevelopment of the Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre was dogged by vocal community opposition prior to its opening earlier this year.

Images courtesy of Adrian Boddy Photographer.

5th October 2016 - NORTHERN SYDNEY’S LARGEST INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE REOPENS

12th August 2016 - WITH COGENERATION PLANT INSTALLED, NEW MANLY AQUATIC FACILITY OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

15th June 2016 - CONTROVERSIAL MANLY ANDREW ‘BOY’ CHARLTON AQUATIC CENTRE GETS OFFICIAL OPENING

13th April 2016 - REPORT SUGGESTS NEW TECHNOLOGIES COULD DELIVER SIGNIFICANT ENERGY SAVINGS FOR AQUATIC CENTRES