Concept artwork for the GRAC exterior.
The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) is the centrepiece of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s $85 million sports and infrastructure package.
The $46 million Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) is the centrepiece of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s $85 million sports and infrastructure package, providing Latrobe City with the opportunity to fulfil its long held desire for a facility of this type for its constituents.
The centre will feature a range of facilities for competitive swimming, leisure, general community use and major regional events, including a 50 metre indoor swimming pool with spectator seating.
This project has strong community support, and is being designed in consultation with local residents, key user groups and stakeholders.
What’s happening now?
New concept plans for the GRAC have been made public and the design and construct tender for the project is now live with a short listed group of experienced and capable companies vying for the project.
An eight lane 50 metre indoor pool complete with 500 seats for spectators is the highlight feature of the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, as per concept plans produced by architect Peddle Thorp.
Concept artwork for the GRAC interior.
Current designs also include an indoor water play zone, warm water pool, designated learn to swim pool, spa and sauna areas, a wellness centre, café and retail precinct and wet and dry change facilities.
Council worked with key stakeholders such as Swimming Victoria to refine the scope of the aquatics components along with a nine-person Project Reference Group (PRG), taking inspiration and learnings from comparable centres across the state.
Feedback from community consultation was also utilised in developing these early plans, with Latrobe City residents highlighting an indoor warm pool, spa and sauna as the top priorities beyond a 50 metre indoor pool with seating.
An early concept plan of the proposed GRAC.
Four experienced companies – ADCO Constructions, Cockram Construction Ltd, J Hutchinson Pty Ltd and Ireland Brown Constructions – have been pre-selected to take part in the tender process from 16 July for the design and construct work.
The Industry Capability Network and Gippsland GROW have been engaged in order to maximise local content on the project and assist with the tendering process.
The PRG will continue to act as a key conduit between Council and community in the planning and delivery of the GRAC.
Project Timeline
Planning and design: 2018
Construction start: mid 2019
Completion: mid-2021
Funding: $46 million
Timeline
PLANNING AND DESIGN 2018
COMPLETION Mid 2021
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