Chandigarh: After the first tender round failed to attract a single bidder, the MC has been forced to re-tender its ambitious project to engage private firms or agencies to operate gyms and fitness centres in the city’s community centres. The idea, which the civic body projected as a unique initiative to improve utilisation of community centre gyms and bring in professional management, received no response despite a full tendering process.
Officials said the engineering dept has now floated the tender again, this time providing a 21-day window for interested parties to submit bids. The MC has also planned a pre-bid meeting to address queries and concerns of potential bidders and to convince them of the project’s viability. The administration hopes that the additional time and direct engagement may help generate interest, but internally, officers acknowledge that several practical hurdles remain.The proposal to hand over gym operations to private hands was discussed extensively at the MC’s monthly general house meeting last year. At that time, councillors had differing views, and many did not agree to allow private operators in their respective areas. As a result, the MC shortlisted only around 12 community centres — those where the area councillors granted consent and where gyms already exist — to be included in the tender.The civic body had also finalised user charges as part of the earlier deliberations. It was decided that members of community centres would be charged Rs 750 per quarter to use gym facilities. For non-members or outsiders, the charge was set at Rs 750 per month. These rates were included in the bid conditions and were expected to help standardise revenues for the concessionaire.However, sources said these financial conditions appear to be one of the key reasons for the lack of bidder interest. The project, they added, “does not seem financially viable” for agencies. Private gyms in the city offer far more comprehensive facilities — such as cardio zones, strength training machines, personal training, group classes, spa and recovery services, and enhanced interiors— which significantly increases their footfall. In comparison, the MC-run gyms provide only basic exercise areas with equipment, making revenue generation difficult for private operators under the prescribed fee structure.Sources also pointed out that private agencies may be reluctant to invest in a model where user charges are capped and where they may have limited freedom to redesign or expand services. “It seems that private firms feel the model will not bring sustainable financial returns. The flow of people in MC gyms has also been low because of limited facilities,” a source said. The MC has nonetheless moved ahead with retendering and will assess market response once the second round concludes.Meanwhile, the civic body finds itself in a difficult position regarding the gym equipment it has already purchased. The MC made a sizeable investment to procure machinery for community centre gyms over the past few years. However, much of this equipment now lies unused in various centres because operations could not be streamlined. According to information available with the corporation, around 29 gyms exist across different community centres in the city. Officials said the goal of outsourcing management was to ensure proper utilisation of these assets.For now, all eyes are on whether the second tendering attempt will encourage interest from agencies. The MC will take a call on the next steps depending on the response. Officials admit that if the retender also fails, the corporation will have to reconsider its strategy to revive community centre gyms and prevent further wastage of resources.Box: Broad Scope of Tasks (As per RFP)A: Provide Coaching FacilitiesThe firm or agency shall provide gymnasium or fitness equipment and facilities related to their discipline.The concessionaire shall offer training facilities at both basic and advanced levels.Training procedures shall follow best practices prevalent in top gyms or fitness centres in India.Fees, timings, and related conditions will be as defined.The concessionaire shall maintain an attendance log of all users.Fees for pay-and-use users shall fall within the prescribed limits.B: Operate and Maintain Assigned Gym in Community CentreThe concessionaire shall handle basic operations and maintenance of the facility and gym equipment.At the end of the contract period, all gym facilities provided by the authority must be handed back in operational condition.The concessionaire shall ensure regular cleaning and hygienic conditions.Electricity charges shall be paid by the concessionaire on a pro-rata basis, as recorded by the sub-meter.Any damage or loss shall be compensated by the concessionaire at replacement value; unpaid amounts may be recovered from performance security or bank guarantee.MSID:: 129341031 413 |
