AIS Aquatic Centre closes for upgrades and asbestos removal

The Aquatic Centre at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra has been closed for a series of building refurbishments and upgrades, including the removal of exterior asbestos cladding.

Work on the 28-year-old Centre began in April, while national swimming squads continued to train, with the AIS's 50 metre and 25 metre pools closing from 19th May with reopening set for 7th June.

Asbestos removal on the site is resulting in daily tests to ensure no particles are in the air around the site.

An Australian Sports Commission spokesperson described the asbestos removal as "low-risk" and said all the required steps had been followed to ensure its safe removal.

In relation to the suspension of AIS programs during the closure, a statement on the AIS website explained "this shutdown affects many aquatic patrons, including Learn to Swim & Aqua sessions, however the shutdown will allow for long awaited pool plant repairs and upgrades to occur to provide a better facility and experience for you and avoids jeopardising the health and safety of public and staff.

"Swim School will operate for seven weeks in Term 2 and all customers will be notified by the swim school staff of this modified timetable.

"Club Aquatics will cease most of their sessions, however there may still be some evening sessions scheduled. The swim school staff will confirm directly with those affected.

Aqua Sessions will cease during this period.

"Members will be able to renew passes and other program registration. 'Dry' based programs such as the gym, group fitness, gym recovery and personal training will still operate. In consideration of these disruptions to our services, we will offer the following to those who are affected by this closure;

"Aqua Recovery members: Purchase a one month membership between the 19 April and 18 May and receive a second month for free. 'Dry' based programs will be arranged for those interested and will be offered free of charge.

"The AIS Aquatic Centre will be back in normal operations from Saturday 8 June 2013. The upgrade program will include a new thermostat controlled air-conditioning unit for the gym, which we are sure will be welcomed by all users - in particular over the warmer months."