CLAREMONT councillors have rejected a bid to reduce rent in a new lease for gym and cafe operator Aspire Pty Ltd on Claremont Golf Course.
“It was rejected because we have no idea about what Aspire is making, and we are not in the business of making a business viable,” Mayor Jock Barker said, after last week’s meeting.
Since 2013, Aspire has operated a gym on Lapsley Road that backs on to the Lake Claremont golf course near the Claremont Aquatic Centre and swimming pool.
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READ NOWHowever, it built a cafe that had to be given retrospective planning approval, but which is now recognised as providing a significant community hub.
When councillors considered the new lease they were concerned about issues including if the undeclared new rent compared to those paid by operators in the town centre, if the gym should be penalised for the unplanned cafe and if the new lease could lead to sub-leasing of other businesses.
It was agreed the rent remain at current levels, with increases linked to the consumer price index, during it first five- years starting in March next year.
The rent could be reviewed before a further five-year lease option in 2023, and Aspire will have to conform to the council’s regulations to sell alcohol, while improving its building for disabled access.
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