Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre visitor numbers are on the up, according to the latest Council data.
It’s Northern Tasmania’s most utilised sport and recreation facility, with visitation increasing by more than 22 per cent over the past five years.
The centre recorded 472,303 attendances in the last financial year, up from 386,525 in 2017/18.
On average, 1293 were recorded each day in the most recent financial year, compared to 1058 visitations in the 2017/18 financial year.
The facility’s operating deficit, excluding depreciation, has continued to trend downwards over the past five years, dropping to $405,692 in the financial year just ended.
The City Of Launceston says the cost reduction has been driven by energy efficiency projects, including the recent installation of 240 solar panels capable of generating more than 140,000KW hours of electricity at the facility annually, and have increasing membership numbers.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the facility was gearing up for the summer months ahead, with the centre’s outdoor pool, waterslide and barbeque areas set to open to the public in time for the school holidays on Saturday, October 1st.
“The Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre is the most utilised sporting facility in Northern Tasmania, and has inspired a love of swimming in a new generation of Launceston residents,” Mayor van Zetten said.