IT was the first of its kind in the city, but it has been revealed The Greenhouse of Orange's construction came in millions of dollars over budget and continues to cost the club to open.
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The facility faced heavy scrutiny at Orange Ex-Services' Club's annual general meeting on Wednesday night as opponents to the recent indoor pool closure asked club management to justify the decision against continuing to invest in the Greenhouse.
Members were told the construction budget was $4 million, but blew out to $6.7 million and despite earning more than $4 million in revenue during 2018, traded at a loss of $1.08 million, including depreciation.
The Greenhouse opened in August 2017.
Chief executive officer Daniel Perkiss and president Graham Gentles acknowledged there were layout problems with the kitchen and service areas and the facility was not weather-proof, but further investment later this year would be geared at improving the bottom line.
They confirmed a recent reduction in trading hours was a cost-saving measure.
Member Paul Bertrams, who has swum as part of the Polar Bears for the past 44 years, attended the meeting and said the investment in the Greenhouse did not stack up.
"With the millions of dollars in poker machine revenue, would people rather the pool or the Greenhouse?" he said.
"I don't think they're spending it responsibly."
Mr Perkiss told the members the organisation could wear the cost of upgrading the pool, but the $600,000 in running costs annually was a concern.
Member Kate Curtin queried the burden of lifeguard costs and said the pool could be an asset, even if it had to be rebuilt in a different location.
"I suggested there's perhaps an opportunity with the pool and the Greenhouse for new members and younger members - it could be more of a club, like an Oriana-style pool," she said.
The club as a whole made $919,330 in profit for the year.
A club spokeswoman said Mr Perkiss and Mr Gentles addressed the 72 members for two-and-a-half hours to answer their questions.
"The members present appreciated the open nature of the AGM and Daniel Perkiss' detailed presentation, bringing all members up to date on the matters relating to the Orange Ex Services' Club," she said.
"[They] look forward to updating members at the AGM in 2020."
Orange City Council had decided not to pursue a 10-year lease over the pool, but three councillors will put forward a rescission motion in two weeks' time to reverse the decision.
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