WHILE a number of indoor pool proponents have questioned the need for a multi-million dollar recreation centre, feasibility studies have found construction of a 50m indoor pool is not viable and running costs would be prohibitive.
The inclusion of additional and multipurpose facilities helps to guarantee the viability of the hub by offsetting some of the operational costs through additional income.
The city’s sporting and recreation facilities – particularly the Aquatic Centre and Icehouse – will need either major refurbishment or a complete rebuild in the next 10 to 20 years.
Council has collaborated with sporting clubs and residents to develop the intermediate designs to ensure they will meet the needs of the community into the future.
To meet the requirements for federal funding the facility must be multipurpose and a space for the whole community.
Indoor aquatic facilities at the community and recreation hub will allow all-weather access in a climate controlled environment.
Disability access in all aquatic areas will include ramp access to the 25m pool and warm water pool and beach access to the learn to swim pool, with disabled change facilities and wide concourses to enable access and ease of movement.
The existing 50m outdoor pool and grassed area will be accessible during the warmer months through large opening doors on the north side of the pool deck.
The 25m indoor pool will be heated to 27 degrees and compliant with state and national regulations for competition.
A 50m indoor pool would substantially add to the capital cost of the hub by several million dollars.
Operational costs of the facility would increase due to heating a much larger body of water and climate control for a larger internal space.
The community will have access to the current 50m heated outdoor pool for six months each year during the main swimming season (October to April).
