If you’re in the market for a multi-facility rec complex, opportunity awaits just south of Red Deer.

The Springbrook Recreation Centre is up for sale, with a list price of $1.8 million. Sitting on six acres of land in the hamlet, the 42,000-square-foot building contains a convenience store, restaurant and pub, theatre room, gymnasium, and fitness area with weights and aerobics equipment.

Currently owned by Trinidad Drilling Ltd., the complex was built by the federal government in 1951 for use by Canadian Forces Base Penhold. It reverted to private ownership when the base closed in 1995.

The facilities have been used by the public over the years and also served as an oilpatch training centre. Trinidad Drilling bought the property in 2007, operating the Trinidad Training & Fitness Centre and renting out or leasing the rest of the premises.

The Springbrook Community Association has been using the former theatre as a community centre, the gym has been used by a variety of groups, and the convenience store, restaurant and pub has been run by various tenants — but closed earlier this year. New operators are preparing to reopen the store.

“We’re still kind of planning and putting things together,” said Chuck Woodrow, who will operate the store with his wife Gladys and expects to be in business by April 1.

Donna Hudson, the divisional payroll and human resources manager with Victory Rig Equipment, a division of Trinidad Drilling, added that the restaurant and pub could soon also return to activity.

“We’re actively looking for someone to lease the restaurant,” she said, adding that there has been interest.

Trinidad Drilling would also like to find someone to take over the fitness area, said Hudson. The equipment there is in good condition and a tanning bed and infrared sauna were recently added, she pointed out.

“It’s a turnkey business.”

Trinidad Drilling’s motivation for selling the larger facility is that it doesn’t really fit into the company’s business, said Hudson. The need for oilpatch training dropped off sharply with the downturn in the energy sector.

But she believes the community will support a recreation centre, particularly given Springbrook’s youthful demographic.

“It’s one of the best-kept secrets, I think.”

Paul Pettypiece, president of the Springbrook Community Association, thinks the centre plays an important role locally.

“It’s certainly a focal point of the community.”

He acknowledged that Springbrook’s proximity to Red Deer is an issue, particularly in the case of the convenience store.

“Normally, a town of 1,000 could support it easily.”

Mike Williamson of Century 21 Advantage is the sales agent for the Springbrook Recreation Centre.

“It was built to a high standard, back in the day, and it’s very unique,” he said.

The fact that the property produces revenue and has existing tenants is a plus, he added, and the large parcel it sits on has the potential for further development.

hrichards@reddeeradvocate.com