The Goulburn Aquatic Centre's redevelopment is taking shape behind a tall safety fence, where up to 70 workers are toiling away on any one day.
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FDC Construction is undertaking the $29.87 million stage-one project, which includes a new eight-lane indoor pool, a leisure pool, hydrotherapy facility, change rooms, cafe, 350 square metre gym, new entrance and expanded car park, and repair of expansion joints in the existing 50-metre outdoor pool.
It's the largest upgrade since the complex was built in the late 1950s/early 1960s.
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On Monday, councillors took a tour of the project, which started last July with demolition of the existing indoor pool. Site work began in September and since then more than 200 piles have been installed below the base of the new pools.
The leisure and hydrotherapy pools have also taken shape with concrete pours and construction well underway. The council's operations director Matt O'Rourke said water testing on the latter would occur next week.
At the rear, concrete is also being poured for the new 25-metre indoor pool and the plant room, both of these closer to the Victoria Park aspect. The former will range from 1.2 to two metres in depth.
Concrete wall slabs for the pool hall enclosing all additions are going up and installation of supporting columns is expected to start in coming weeks. It will feature timber purlins and a large skylight.
"By May we will have a shell of a building, which will be a good milestone to reach. Work will then start on the fit-out and services," Mr O'Rourke said.
FDC Construction project coordinator Alaa Naser told The Post that his company was aiming to have the building watertight by winter. Work was on track for commissioning and handover to the council by next February.
Up to 70 workers, including local subcontractors, are working on the project daily.
"One of the challenges has been to keep the (adjoining) skate park and outdoor pool running for the entire period and moving things around in an orderly way without too much disturbance," Mr Naser said.
Last September, the contractor also discovered asbestos while demolishing the 25-metre indoor pool. The council had to pay an extra $347,000 for its removal, Mr O'Rourke said. It took one month to remove the material.
But the complex's modern design is in line with others undertaken by FDC Construction, including Ashfield and Rockdale. It will include a cafe with seating which will also be accessed from Victoria Park via a landscaped and paved area.
"It's an enjoyable project to work on," Mr Naser said.
The community can take a peek at progress through a newly installed 'window' on the Deccan Street side.
The work is being funded from a $10m state government grant, $4.97m from various council reserves and the remainder from a low-interest government loan.
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