CASH SPLASH FOR PORT POOL
OWNERS of the Portarlington pool, which shocked patrons by shutting doors indefinitely in September, are committed to reopening the facility to the public.
The Smythe St complex, owned by Melbourne-based businessman Tom Montalto, closed for safety reasons with- out notice five months ago.
It also closed for three months because of similar reasons in December 2015 but was spared from permanent closure by a community campaign, new management and minor renovations.
Now Mr Montalto is putting his money where his mouth is, spending $20,000 to bring the facility up to standard with a view to entering a new lease agreement. “We are looking at quotes and then we will give the job to someone and once the job is done we will look at releasing it,” a spokeswoman for the owner said.
“It’s a matter of getting the water back to a swimming standard and making sure the heaters are working and all the pumps are working.
“We don’t want to let it sit there. The water has gone green and it breaks my heart ... but because it is a secondary business to our family business, which is a priority, it’s taking a bit more time.”
The spokeswoman said Mr Montalto is not looking to sell but will be seeking new management for the pool. Between the school swimming programs and private lessons, a spokeswoman for the owner said he is confident it can be a profitable business if managed correctly.
Former pool manager Kylee Clasper did not detail the reason she ceased operations but said: “We agreed to part ways as the site was not up to Splash Swim School standard.”
It was previously reported that Ms Clasper was unhappy with the owners after regular requests to the owner for maintenance works “fell on deaf ears”.
The units on site are currently leased out through LJ Hooker.
Committee for Bellarine executive director Tom O’Connor said the group was supportive of the facility reopening. “I think it’s important for community health and welfare and the connection between young and old, there is all sorts of positives for the community,” he said.