Sunshine Coast Council announces new leases for Caloundra and Cotton Tree Aquatic Centres

The Sunshine Coast Council has announced the successfully tenderers for the management of two of its aquatic centres with City Venue Management to take over as the new lessee of the Caloundra Aquatic Centre while its Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre will continue to be run by existing lessees Swim Fit Sunshine Coast, which has managed the facility since 1995.

Sunshine Coast Councillor Terry Landsberg said City Venue Management was suitably qualified to manage the highly popular Caloundra Aquatic Centre, noting “the Caloundra Aquatic Centre is a hugely popular council-owned facility which offers a wide range of activities, from learn-to-swim classes and aqua aerobics right through to experienced squad level swimming.

“City Venue Management is the current lessee of the Kawana Aquatic Centre and council is very confident it will do a fantastic job managing the Caloundra Aquatic Centre, following the retirement of John Wallace, who was the lessee at the facility for the past 37 years.”

City Venue Management Managing Director Jay Clarke said he was looking forward to building on Wallace’s foundations, stating “we are thrilled to receive the baton of managing the Caloundra Aquatic Centre and would look to build on the strong foundations created by John, Vicki and all their staff.

“The Caloundra Aquatic Centre has been a fantastic local community asset for many years and our goal is to ensure it remains a quality facility which is accessible for all members of the community.

“City Venue Management operates 27 venues across South East Queensland and is pleased to have secured our second venue on the Sunshine Coast, expanding our well-known Rackley Swimming Learn to Swim and Squad programs, Aquatic and Group Fitness offerings, City Health Club Training Zone and Pool Deck Café.

“We are particularly looking forward to building on our strong relationship with the Sunshine Coast Council, as well as local clubs and community groups as we work to provide ongoing aquatic education, aiding safer and more enjoyable swimming opportunities.”

Commenting on Swim Fit’s retention at the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre, Sunshine Coast Councillor Joe Natoli said the operator had delivered nearly three decades of outstanding management at the facility, noting “Swim Fit has done an outstanding job managing the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre over the past 27 years.

“Last year Swim Fit was awarded Royal Lifesaving recognition for facilitating more lifesaving courses and accreditations than any other group in Queensland.

“Participant numbers for Swim Fit’s aqua aerobics and training academy programs have grown significantly during their tenure and they are set to deliver some new and exciting opportunities for our community into the future, particularly in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.”

Swim Fit Sunshine Coast Director Grant Belcher said he was excited about the opportunity to continue delivering high quality service to the Sunshine Coast Community at the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre.

He added “we have played a major part in the lives of local Sunshine Coast families with many children having fond memories of participating in swimming lessons, school carnivals, or general recreational swimming for fun.

“Swim Fit is very excited to remain the lessee and manager of Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre and continuing to deliver great service and the family-friendly environment our amazing onsite team has created.”

The Caloundra Aquatic Centre (pictured) will remain closed until 30th June while the Council delivers essential capital works upgrades to the much-loved facility.

Weather permitting City Venue Management will start its new tenure at the facility from Friday 1st July.

The popular adjoining skate park will also reopen free of charge to the public from 1st July following some minor works and will no longer form part of the Caloundra Aquatic Centre lease.