Designs for the extensive redevelopment of the Goulburn Aquatic Centre have been put on public exhibition by the Goulburn Mulwaree Council. The 2017 National Aquatic Industry Award winning Centre for Providing Excellence in Aquatic Safety is now beginning the process to ensure its name is listed in future Industry awards.
The 1950s Aquatic Centre is headed towards a multimillion dollar renovation and expansion. The redevelopment comes off the back of a 2016 commissioned study that identified the scale and nature of renovation required to meet the needs of the community.
Redevelopment will occur in three stages. The first will include an upgrade of the indoor facilities; 10 lane 25m indoor pool, renovation of the existing 25m pool, a new leisure pool, a new hydrotherapy pool, sauna and spa, new plant room, change room renovation and new entrance with administration and staff office.
The external elements such as café with connectivity to Victoria Park pool, expanded carpark and landscaping will also occur. Stage two will encompass the outdoor and fitness facilities and stage three will include the upgrade to the existing outdoor pool, meaning this can remain open until the other work is completed.
The cost of the building work is listed in the Development Application to cost $45 million. Matt O’Rourke, Acting Goulburn Mulwaree General Manager explained that this figure was in line with the initial estimations.
“An initial estimate was prepared as part of the Aquatic Centre redevelopment study. This estimate was revised based on more detailed design plans, market escalation in construction and additional scope items around the warm water pool.” Mr O’Rourke said.
He explained further that there is provision in the budget for stage one, however this will have to be supplemented with grant funds.
The council have already applied for $10m Centre upgrade under the State Government’s Sports Infrastructure Fund with confirmation of successful recipients to be announced next month.
Mr O’Rourke commented, “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”.
Mayor Bob Kirk was pleased to see the development application submitted and the design phase of the project on track. The development will be assessed by the Joint Regional Planning Panel with a date to be advised. Once this is complete there will be steps forward for the final design and estimate, allowing construction documentation to be finalized.
Mr Kirk explained advertisement for tender of construction will be distributed at the end of this year whilst the council continues to lobby for grant funding.
Construction is expected to begin in the latter half of 2019.
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