Plan for $40m Olympic Park sporting complex unveiled

MOUNT Gambier City Council has unveiled a plan to build a $40m regional sporting complex at Olympic Park, which will be the biggest civic infrastructure project ever seen in the region.

The proposed design released today revealed the centre would include a 10 lane 25 metre indoor swimming pool, six multipurpose sporting courts, including retractable seating for a show court.

In addition, the multifaceted sporting facility will include a learning and teaching pool, a warm water exercise pool as well as retention of the existing outdoor swimming pool.

For the plan to get off the ground, it will require funding of $20m from the Federal Government, $10m from the State Government and a further $10m from the Mount Gambier City Council and community.

Annual council rate increases will continue and in addition a further $20 each year – for four to five years – will be added to the rates to fund the project.

The high-level concept design, which has been prepared by a leisure consulting group, will also have various other multi-purpose spaces right in the heart of the city.

With concept plans in the early stages, council said proposed designs are expected to change based on stakeholder feedback.

A Mount Gambier City Council spokesperson said the plans will not proceed without grant funding.

The council will need to endorse the submission of Expression of Interest to the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities for the Regional Growth Fund at Tuesday night’s special meeting to secure funding before the due date of April 27.