Old roof a factor in future of Arena
The North Geelong Arena’s roof is in a “poor and ageing” condition, according to a new Geelong council report.
The news comes as councillors are poised to appoint a new manager for the facility after several months of delays.
Geelong United Basketball, which currently manages basketball games at the arena, has applied to oversee the facility’s operations future in a joint bid with Belgravia Health and Leisure Group.
United, which uses the arena’s four courts seven days a week and manages more than 1000 teams across the region, was initially expecting an announcement of the successful applicant last November.
Council officers have recommended that Clublinks Management Pty Ltd gets the nod, as it reportedly provides best value for money.
A decision was set for Tuesday night’s council meeting.
“(Clublinks Management) remained the short-listed tenderer with a highly competitive value for money and more competitive rates,” a council evaluation panel recommended in the report.
“(It) provided a comprehensive response as to how they would program the facility to maximise participation and cater for individuals and groups with diverse needs.”
However, under the tender evaluation process, a risk assessment identified issues with the arena’s overall structure.
“Provisions have been made to alert the tenderers to the poor and ageing condition of the facility and in particular the roof, and outline theirs and the city’s responsibilities,” the council’s latest agenda reveals.
The council endorsed a public procurement process for the management of the arena, for a period of up to five years, in November 2021.
However, the process was disrupted by two years due to Covid and the selection of venue sites for the now-axed 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the arena considered.
The council will also conduct a market-led process later this year, calling on ideas for the arena’s future use.
The management company must act to honour existing tenancy agreements with Geelong United Basketball, YMCA, gymnastics, elite taekwondo, Gymnastics Victoria and other users, and to “negotiate future agreements in good faith”, a council spokeswoman said on Tuesday.