Macquarie Bank to build SA State Aquatic Centre?

A Macquarie Bank backed consortium is believed to be ready to present a financial model for the development of the long-planned South Australian State Aquatic Centre.

The Aqua43 consortium, which comprises Adelaide-based Candetti Constructions and Macquarie Bank, has been working with the City of Marion and the SA State Government in the preparation of a more detailed design for the concept proposal for the State Aquatic Centre. The proposal is expected to be presented in the coming months and is believed to include a timeline that will see the facilities opening in early 2010.

Plans for the State Aquatic Centre began with a 1999 investigation into the needs for aquatic recreation facilities in the inner southern suburbs of Adelaide and the lack of any swimming pool in South Australia that met FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) international competition standards.

Subsequently, plans were developed for a major training, competition and community use aquatic sport and leisure water facility, to be funded by three levels of Government with a balance of funds to be provided by the private sector. The centre was to be located within the City of Marion's 'Marion Domain' site, adjacent to a major Westfield Shoppingtown.

However, notwithstanding the City of Marion securing $15 million in Federal Government funding and a further $15 million from the South Australian Government (the State Government having previously committed to matching the Federal funding on a one-for-one basis), the private sector could not be attracted to the project.

Late last year, Aqua43 submitted its concept for the facility, details of which are expected to be released shortly.

The proposed State Aquatic Centre is expected to include two 50 metre pools, one for lap swimming and the second for diving and water polo along with permanent seating for 1,000 spectators and a minimum of 2,000 extra seats for events.

The recreation component of the Centre comprises a minimum area of 1,000 metre2 of warm water pools including areas catering for learn to swim, rehabilitation and aqua fitness along with a leisure pool with lagoon entry, wave capability and a variety of water related activities including slides and other forms of moving water.

Another component of the facility is a 'GP Plus Health Care Centre'.

Speaking to Australasian Leisure Management, a Macquarie Bank spokesmen would not confirm that Macquarie Leisure Operations would seek to manage the facility.