City of South Perth ends plan for 'financially unfeasible' aquatic and recreation centre

Having failed to secure funds for the project in the latest Western Australian budget, the City of South Perth has reportedly ended plans for a new aquatic and recreation at a site adjacent to the Collier Park Golf Course.

With a projected first stage cost of between up to $75 million (rising from an originally projected $45 and $60 million), the project is now being described as being “financially unfeasible”.

As a result, South Perth’s first aquatic facility will not now be developed in the foreseeable future.

Speaking at the Council meeting on Tuesday night when Councillors backed a council officer’s recommendation to halt the project, Councillor Glenn Cridland stated “I feel very sorry for the children of our city ... I feel really sad about the way council has failed you, and failed to look forward and provide proper planning for proper facilities in the future.

Facing a $30 million shortfall for the initial stage of the project, the council failed in its bid to attract $20 million in Western Australian Government funding.

Stage one of the project was to have included the construction of an indoor aquatic centre with an eight-lane 25 metre indoor heated pool, a health club and gym, a virtual golf driving range with a hospitality venue, cafe and function facilities.

The budget was to be met by a $20 million Federal Government grant, a $20 million contribution from the city and a potential $3 million from Curtin University.

However, without Western Australia Government funding for the project a city report advised that it would have to implement a rate increase of more than 7%.

Stage two of the project was proposed to include the development of indoor playing courts while the third and final stage of the project would have included a 50 metre outdoor pool.

Image: Concept design for the City of South Perth Recreation and Aquatic Facility. Credit: City of South Perth.