A 20-year community grassroots campaign to cement a hydrotherapy pool facility in Mount Gambier will finally come to fruition with construction expected to start at the Boandik Lake Terrace site.
Boandik – the region’s largest aged care provider – has announced its $6m Community Wellbeing Centre will soon get under way, which is considered a major milestone for the city.
The proposed building will be constructed on vacant lawn and will provide a hydrotherapy pool for the wider community.
The project is also expected to fuel the regional economy with around 60 construction workers expected on the site during the peak building phase.
Boandik chief executive officer Gillian McGinty said yesterday the project would begin in coming weeks following Mossop Construction and Interiors being appointed as the project’s builder.
“This is an exciting new venture for the entire community,” Ms McGinty told The Border Watch yesterday.
“The board of Boandik has been buoyed by the support for the project from the community and has committed funds for the $6m project.”
She said the amount allocated was a higher cost than originally anticipated.
“We are very appreciative of the support we have received through the community partnership program, which is currently $205,000,” the Boandik executive said.
Ms McGinty said Boandik would continue to promote the program, seek grants and organise fund-raising events to support the construction of the centre.
“We look forward to working with Mossop to achieve a quality outcome with this build,” the aged care chief said.
Architect Thomson Adsett have worked closely with Boandik staff and a team of consultants to develop a plan that would meet the needs of the community.
“The plans include a hydrotherapy pool for the entire community,” Ms McGinty said.
The pool will have two forms of assisted access with a ramp into the pool and lifting equipment to enable people of all abilities to experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.
“The community activity spaces and gymnasium will enable expansion of programs to support people to remain independent and connected with the community as they age,” Ms McGinty said.
“Wellbeing and regalement will be a strong focus in these areas.”
Moreover, Ms McGinty said Boandik would continue to expand its home care programs to met the needs of clients and the new office accommodation in the centre would allow the organisation to grow these programs.
“There will also be meeting rooms in the centre that can be accessed by community groups,” she said.
Mossop Construction and Interiors regional manager Craig Williamson said the company was thrilled to be part of this major community-based project.
He said the company would utilise regional tradespeople and contractors during the build.
“The new facility will be great for the community, Boandik and for us,” Mr Williamson said.
He said the project was also not “run of the mill” to build because it would include the installation of a hydrotherapy pool.
“The building has great architectural features, will sit on the block nicely and will complement what Boandik’s facilities,” Mr Williamson said.
