Residents fear loss of Castle Hill PCYC
THE future of a PCYC in Townsville is up in the air with concerned users ready to fight to keep the facility.
PCYC Queensland chief executive officer Phil Schultz said discussions were being held with Townsville City Council to find an alternative site for the Castle Hill PCYC with North Shore an area of interest.
The council said the Castle Hill PCYC had chosen not to extend their land lease at 4 Hugh St, and were seeking to move.
“Council has offered the Castle Hill PCYC a lease extension on their current site but that offer was not accepted,” a council spokesman said. “PCYC management and council are working together to look for a suitable alternate site.”
Mr Schultz said negotiations over the Hugh St site were continuing but the only thing that appeared certain to remain was the facility’s after school care service.
“Should the North Shore option prove viable for our members, PCYC Queensland will continue to operate outside school hours care services from the Castle Hill site that is accessed by two thirds of our members,” he said.
“Other PCYC Queensland programs and services, such as our gym and fitness centre may be relocated.”
Mr Schultz said it was too early to speculate whether the PCYC Castle Hill building would be sold.
PCYC Queensland owns and built the building and infrastructure on the site. The land is owned by the State Government and managed by the council.
The council spokesman did not respond to questions about whether a local Australian rules football club had an interest in taking over the Hugh St lease. He said no decision had been made yet in relation to the future of the Castle Hill site or any alternative for the PCYC.
“Council will continue to work with the PCYC to find a solution that is best for the club,” he said.
Meanwhile, the uncertainly has spurred loyal Castle Hill PCYC users to begin fighting to keep the facility where it stands.
Chris Terry and Fay Crow have been part of an aquaaerobics group at the PCYC for more than eight years.
The group includes about 25 people aged between 50- 86.
The women fear that if the PCYC closes they won’t be able to find a suitable alternative venue.
“We are people who want to get out and do something,” Mrs Terry said.
“The pool at the PCYC is perfect for us in terms of size, access and location.”