The new Regional Aquatic Centre in Grafton will feature a 50-metre outdoor pool and grandstand, indoor aquatic centre including 25-metre heated pool, a splash pad, new waterslides, and renovation of existing amenities and front entrance.
Councillors endorsed the updated project timeline and funding strategy at the monthly meeting held at Maclean Council Chambers on Tuesday, 28 February 2023.
It divides the project into three stages, arranged to maximise efficiency, grant funding opportunities, and delivery of services to the community, as well as safety considerations.
Stage One includes demolition of existing 50m pool and dive pool, construction of indoor facility, splash pad and electrical substation, and refurbishment of existing amenities. Stage Two includes construction of outdoor 50m pool and grandstand. Stage Three includes installation of new waterslides and is subject to future funds being identified.
PICTURE: Staging overlaid over existing facility; blue is Stage One, green Stage Two and purple Stage Three.
During debate councillors raised the possibility of carrying out construction of the 50m outdoor pool (Stage Two) prior to Stage One.
General Manager Laura Black said it was important for the community to know there are a number of reasons why staff recommended the adopted staging of the project, including being the scenario that returns services to the community as early as possible.
“The indoor facility as part of Stage One will be located on the site of the existing pool infrastructure. It can be opened while construction of the outdoor pool is underway because construction access from Turf Street can be separated from public access to other facilities,” Ms Black said.
“If the outdoor pool was constructed first, for safety reasons it could not be opened to the public while the Stage One works including pre-construction earthworks took place adjacent to it. In addition, there would be no access to amenities.
“The indoor facility includes two heated pools that once opened can stay open all year round.”
At the meeting, Clarence Valley Council Director Works and Civil Jamie Fleeting explained that the staged approach will allow a contractor to deliver Stage One and Stage Two in a seamless fashion.
“This recommendation maximises Council’s opportunity to secure grant funding for Stage Two – being the 50m pool and grandstand,” Mr Fleeting said. “The contract facilitates sufficient time to secure potential grant opportunities for a period of up to three months after the contract is awarded.
“Progress on Stage Two and Three will be subject to either forthcoming grants, Council loans or a combination of both, and this will be reported to Council for confirmation before August 2023.”
Related Article:
