AusLeisure

The popular Ballina Swim n Gym facility in Northern NSW has closed with a sign on the entrance of its Ballina Fair shopping centre location blaming the closure on "increased costs and competition".

Concern about the sudden closure last week has been shared on website of local newspaper The Northern Star's website, with one reader saying they doubted whether they would get a refund for their membership.

Ballina Fair Centre Manager David Griffiths said but said it was "disappointing" for the community because of the value of the facility.

Griffiths told The Northern Star "it's obviously something people in Ballina feel very strongly about.

"It's been an integral part of the shopping centre since day one. I've known people going there for almost 30 years..

"It really covered the whole spectrum of ages from babies to 80 year olds.

"It's probably the most important facility in the centre."

Despite the unfortunate closure, Griffiths said he had already received eight enquiries from business owners in the Ballina area about potentially taking on the lease.

The facility, which includes a pool and gym, was built as part of Ballina Fair in the mid 1980s.

As of 15th December, the Ballina Fair website advises "Ballina Swim n Gym is PERMANENTLY CLOSED until further notice!"

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