AusLeisure

A list of high-profile attractions operators are reportedly seeking to secure a NSW Government tender to run the Sydney Harbour Bridge's tourism climb business.

Developed and operated on a long term lease over the past 20 years by entrepreneurs Paul Cave, Jack Cowin and Brett Blundy, BridgeClimb Sydney has attracted 3 million climbers since it began operations.

Announced in June, a two-staged open market tender to operate the business is believed to have attracted a range of high profile attractions operators including Scenic World Blue Mountains, Ardent Leisure, Merlin Entertainments, Belgravia Leisure, Zipline Australia, Anytime Fitness operator the Collective Wellness Group and the operators of Luna Park.

The apparent interest of Zipline Australia, which earlier this year gained approval to operate a zip line beside Cairns' Skyrail gondola, has led to speculation that its proposal might include a zip line. However, companies aiming to secure the tender will be limited in the thrills they can offer tourists because of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's tight security and safety requirements.

NSW Roads and Maritime, which is conduting the tender process has said it expects the new contract to be for a period of 20 years, while the terms of operation would be "determined with the successful tenderer".

No other information has been disclosed while the tender process is still active.

BridgeClimb's most recent accounts shows it pays about $1.9 million a year to the NSW Government for the use of the bridge. 

The NSW Roads and Maritime Expressions of Interest was listed on the Australasian Leisure Management Tenders page.

Image shows climbers practicing yoga. Courtesy of BridgeClimb.

4th August 2017 - COLLECTIVE WELLNESS GROUP ENERGISES ORANGETHEORY FITNESS IN AUSTRALIA 

8th June 2017 - SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE’S TOURISM CLIMB BUSINESS PUT OUT TO TENDER 

6th April 2017 - VISITOR ATTRACTIONS HIT BY STOLEN CREDIT CARD SCAM

21st July 2016 - COUNCIL GIVES UNANIMOUS BACKING FOR AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE SKYPATH 

27th April 2016 - MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS MARKS FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONS IN AUSTRALASIA

11th April 2016 - POWERHOUSE MUSEUM TO BE RELOCATED TO THE BANKS OF THE PARRAMATTA RIVER

10th July 2014 - BRIDGECLIMB LAUNCHES VIRTUAL TOUR 

23rd April 2013 - BRIDGECLIMB CELEBRATES THREE MILLION CLIMBERS

8th September 2010 - BRIDGECLIMB FOUNDER HONOURED 

15th March 2010 - BRIDGECLIMB CELEBRATES 2.5 MILLIONTH CLIMBER SCALING TO THE SUMMIT OF SYDNEY’S ICON 

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