Redbank and Collingwood Park residents will continue to enjoy gym classes, gymnastics and school holiday programs close to home after Ipswich City Council extended the lease over Redbank Collingwood Park Sports Complex for a further 10 years.
Ipswich-based Just Sports n Fitness was recently selected by council to continue managing the popular sports complex for the next decade, following an open market tender process.
Finance and Governance Committee Chair Councillor Paul Tully said Just Sports n Fitness possessed the experience, capabilities and sustainable business model to manage the Sports Complex for a further 10 years.
“This is an excellent outcome for the community. In requesting the extended lease term, Just Sport n Fitness has proposed $200,000 worth of capital upgrades to the facility and $300,000 worth of equipment, which they will retain at the end of the tenancy,” Cr Tully said.
“Ensuring our community facilities are managed responsibly and deliver affordable, attractive sport and activity opportunities for residents is key for council in assessing these lease programs.
“Council is approached by an increasing number of organisations seeking facilities for community, social, sport and recreation purposes, and this open tender process again demonstrated that growing demand.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said council received two submissions during the open tender process.
“Just Sport n Fitness were selected as preferred operators due to their proposal offering a diverse and accessible range of classes and opportunities for the community, with a sustainable business model,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Facilities like Redbank Collingwood Park Sports Complex are critical for our community’s ongoing health and wellbeing, and I’m pleased this open tender process has delivered the best solution for residents.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said securing a new long-term lease for the Redbank Collingwood Park Sports Complex further supported council’s Ipswich 2032 Legacy Roadmap, which identifies the leveraging of new and or existing assets to further the health and wellbeing of residents as a key pillar.
“I’m pleased the Redbank and Collingwood Park community will continue to have access to gymnastics, gym facilities and school holiday classes with this long-term lease secured,” Cr Doyle said.
“As we look toward the 2032 Games, it’s critical our future sporting stars can access the training they need to make their dreams come true.”
