Mount Barker Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre project gets construction approval

The development of the $29.6 million Mount Barker Regional Indoor Aquatic and Leisure Centre in the Adelaide Hills could begin construction late next year with the project having this week been approved by South Australia’s Public Works Committee.

With funding and now construction approval in place, stage 1 of the project will deliver a 25 metre indoor lap pool, a learn-to-swim pool, as well as a toddler and leisure pool along with changing rooms, a gym, a cafe and other supporting elements.

Stage 2, which is yet to secure funding, will include a 50 metre outdoor pool and water slides.

Advising that the committee’s decision overcame one of the final hurdles to the construction of the new facility, local state member Dan Cregan told local newspaper The Advertiser “this is a critical step in building a new aquatic and leisure centre for the Hills at Mount Barker.

“We badly need this new facility. The existing Mountain Pool attracts 15,000 people each year and is only 33 and one third yards long.

“It was built by the community 60 years ago and I don’t think anybody ever thought it would be used for the population we now have.

“Rapid population growth is forecast to continue in the Hills over the next 25 years. We need to start building this new facility now.”

The aquatic centre will form part of the Summit Sports Hub, a master planned leisure, sports, and entertainment precinct over 40 hectares.

A range of complementary uses are proposed for future stages of the precinct including a holiday park and accommodation, an adventure playground, a fitness centre, a gymnasium, and indoor multipurpose courts.

Mt Barker District Council Mayor Ann Ferguson said as well as catering for the region’s needs, the aquatic centre would be a strong tourism driver, and create significant employment opportunities for the region.

Mayor Ferguson stated “(the) announcement is another sign of confidence in the project and takes council closer to resolving formal funding agreements with the state government for their $7.3m committed towards the project.

“Once this agreement is in place, council can commence the detailed design and then construction phase of the development.”

With Mt Barker population on track to exceed 60,000 by 2036, Mayor Ferguson said the town needed to plan for key infrastructure projects, adding “this precinct has the potential to become a dynamic space, incorporating an integrated mix of recreation, leisure, sport, entertainment and accommodation uses.

“Council will be approaching the market shortly around the operation of the aquatic facility and complementary investment within the broader precinct. We then look forward to sharing these ideas with the community.”

Dan Cregan formerly chaired the South Australian Public Works Committee.

Click here for more information on the project.

Images: Early artist impressions of Mt Barker’s new regional aquatic and leisure centre (op and middle, credit: Aston Hills) and a concept map of Summit Sports Hub (below, credit: Dan Cregan).