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West Tamar Councillors have voted to terminate the service agreement with EFM Health Clubs for the facility at the Windsor Community Precinct in Riverside, north of Launceston.

Councillors voted unanimously at their last meeting on 18th March to end the agreement having been  unable to negotiate on a new lease.

As reported by Launcestion newspaper The Examiner, since opening in 2010, the facility has never held a formal lease with the Council. Franchisee David Manktelow previously told The Examiner that under the current deal, he was charged just $5000 to $10,000 per year.

While the business is the only tenant in the precinct that doesn't pay a market rate, Manktelow claimed the small membership makes switching to a commercial lease financially unviable.

The gym's closure has sparked concern from its niche clientele which consists of roughly 80 members, the majority of whom are over 60 years old.

A representative from health provider Care Forward told the Council that the EFM facility played an important role in delivering allied health services at a reasonable price during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

In place of the EFM Health Club, the Council is set to establish permanent council chambers within the Windsor Community Precinct.

West Tamar Council Chief Executive has been directed to inform the gym franchisee of other potential sites to support ongoing operations.

Image credit: EFM Health Clubs.

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