Plans for the extensive redevelopment of the Goulburn Aquatic Centre are now on public exhibition.
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The extensive redevelopment, to be built over three stages, includes new indoor pools, water play features, a cafe and a creche, among other improvements.
Stage one includes the upgrade of the indoor facilities:
- 10 lane 25m indoor pool
- Refurbishing the existing 25m pool
- New leisure pool
- Warm Water Pool
- Sauna
- Spa
- New plant room
- New change rooms,
- New entrance foyer, reception, administration area, staff office,
- Café with connectivity to Victoria Park,
- New pool hall including all facilities,
- Expanded car park,
- Landscaping.
Stage two is for outdoor aquatics and fitness facilities.
Stage three is the upgrade to the existing outdoor pool, which means the outdoor pool can stay open until the other work is completed.
The cost of the building work is listed in the DA as $45 million, with Acting Goulburn Mulwaree general manager Matt O’Rourke saying this amount was in line with initial expectations.
“An initial estimate was prepared as part of the Aquatic Centre redevelopment study,” Mr O'Rourke said.
This estimate has since been revised based on more detailed design plans, construction market escalation since the first estimate was prepared and additional scope items around the warm water pool.
“There is provision in the Operational Budget for stage one, however this will have to be supplemented with grant funds.”
He said the council would be submitting an application for funding in Round 3 of the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund.
The council has applied for $10m for the Aquatic Centre upgrade under State’s Government’s Sports Infrastructure Fund.
A spokesperson from Sports Minister Stuart Ayres office advised they were still working through the applications and they expect to be ready to announce the successful recipients next month.
Mr O’Rourke said the council would be submitting an application for funding in Round 3 of the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund.
He welcomed the plans, saying they represented a facility that would be able to accommodate the region for decades to come.
“The redesign of a major community facility such as the Aquatic Centre is something you only get one chance at, and we believe this design will create an outstanding space for our region that will cater to all ages and abilities,” Mr O’Rourke said.
Mayor Bob Kirk was pleased to see the development application submitted and the design phase of the project on track.
“Significant community consultation was undertaken in 2016 and the early months of 2017 to get to the point of detailed design,” he said.
“I’m particularly pleased that a sauna, spa and warm water pool have been included within the design for stage one as these are essential facilities for our region that are not currently easily accessible.
“The development will be assessed by the JRPP with a date to be advised. Once assessment is complete we will be able to move forward in completing the final design and project estimate which will allow us to complete construction contract documents.”
He said the council hoped to advertise a tender for construction towards the end of this year and that behind the scenes they would also continue lobbying for grant funding for the project.
Community consultation has already being undertaken, and the DA is on public exhibition until the July 26.
Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2019.