MOUNT Gambier City Council has called on the community to provide feedback on the initial concept design for a proposed $40m sport and recreation centre.
While a number of stakeholders have been engaged during the development of the draft concept plan, council is now seeking input from the wider community.
Council is waiting on an outcome following its submission of an expression of interest for funding through the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
“We’re waiting to hear of any news, but in the meantime we are moving forward with designs to ensure that if we are successful in receiving an invitation to submit an application for the second stage of the funding application, that this major project will be shovel ready,” Mayor Andrew Lee explained.
Architects DesignInc Adelaide and Co-Op Studio Melbourne are working on the internal concept design with community input to explore multiple uses for the facility.
“The community reference group has already provided its first round of feedback to the architects,” Mr Lee said.
“The group represents local schools, swim clubs, allied health care providers, sporting and recreation club representatives and other community groups.”
Council continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders in developing the design and functionality of the proposed centre.
“Council has met with various community groups in recent weeks, but we also want the wider community to participate in the design engagement stage,” Mr Lee said.
“Your comments and feedback are important, as input from the community regarding the use, purpose and design is the information that will determine the operating costs that both council and the community are keen to know.”
The proposed project will not proceed without external grant funding and community support.
Council is seeking $20m from the Federal Government, while the State Government will need to provide $10m and council will contribute up to $10m to the project if the community decides it is in favour of the facility.
“It is important to remember that at this stage the facility is not a done deal,” Mr Lee said.
“Community consultation will continue throughout the entire process and we will know more about operational costs in September.”
Visit www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com to view the draft concept plan for the facility and provide your input.
