ACT Government reveals plans for new Gungahlin Leisure Centre

The ACT Government has revealed plans for the development of a new aquatic and recreation centre in Gungahlin.

Introducing the development ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher stated "there is strong demand for sport and recreation facilities among Gungahlin's rapidly growing population, and I'm delighted (that the) Government is delivering this state-of-the-art centre."

Construction on the centre - for which the Government has committed $28.7 million - is expected to commence in August with completion planned for early 2014.

Highlights of the new facility include:

• The 50 metre pool has eight lanes and allows for Olympic standard water polo.

• The 25 metre pool is warmer and specifically designed for learn-to-swim classes with different water levels depending on the age of the children being taught. The pool will also have four lanes for lap swimming and a water play area.

• The 25 metre and 50 metre pools will both have graduated ramps for access by people with disabilities and older people.

• In addition to the pools, there will also be a separate large water play area for children. This will include a shallow pool and also 'splash decks', which will incorporate structures for children to play on. There will also be adjacent seating from which parents will be able to supervise their children.

• The cafe will be for both indoor and outdoor use and parents will be able to have a coffee while they supervise their children in the water play area.

• The 'dry areas' will include spaces for programmed fitness classes such as aerobics and also equipment such as weight machines.

The ACT Government expects that the centre will bring more people to the Gungahlin town centre, further boosting the facilities and businesses on offer there.

ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr added "local residents have had an important role during the consultation process that was undertaken to help determine an overall concept for the leisure centre."

Women's groups have been campaigning for women's-only swimming to be incorporated in the design of the Centre.

However, the published designs do not show whether removable screens to section off a part of the pool for women's-only swimming have been included.

5th March 2012 - PUSH FOR WOMEN-ONLY SWIMMING IN CANBERRA