Goulburn's upcoming swimmers will have nowhere to train this winter due to the demolition of the indoor pool, three months ahead of the originally plan, but Goulburn Amateur Swimming Club president Katherine Hyland believes it will be worth it in the long run.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"It's short term pain for long term gain," she said.
"We can't get them in the water at the moment due to COVID-19 restrictions, but there's a chance they would have eased up sometime next term.
"But it will be worth it in the long run for a better facility."
Demolition of the Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre is set to begin in July, three months ahead of schedule.
Mayor Bob Kirk said it was disappointing to not have the facility available throughout the winter months, but that the best option is to get underway with work.
"Under current restrictions we are only permitted one swimmer per lane, which is not feasible due to the high operating costs of an indoor pool," he said.
"The good news is we can begin work on the exciting Goulburn Aquatic Centre Redevelopment which I know our community is looking forward to.
"We will now be underway with demolition nearly three months ahead of schedule, which we hope will translate into having the brand new facility open sooner for our swimmers."
Ms Hyland said that the club had gone from strength to strength last year, growing by 40 per cent, with many young, new, enthusiastic swimmers coming up through the ranks.
She feared the winter out of the pool might put some squad members off, but said she respected council's decision to move ahead with demolition.
"They've been talking to us and keeping us informed," she said.
"If it turns out restrictions don't ease up with regards to pools for all of next term, it may well prove to be a very clever, wise decision."
The redevelopment will greatly improve the facility, and includes:
- A new eight lane indoor pool
- Refurbishment of the existing 25m indoor pool and conversion to a program pool
- Warm water pool
- New change rooms
- Café linking with Victoria Park
- Brand new gymnasium
- New entrance plaza and expanded car park
- Repairing the expansion joints in the existing outdoor pool and refurbishment of the wet deck
$29 million has been allocated by council for the project, including $10m gained through the NSW Government.
FDC Construction will be undertaking the project, and have extensive experience building within the Aquatic Centre industry.
The Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre was first closed to the community on March 23, when strengthened restrictions were announced by the Australian Government in response to COVID-19.
