New Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre saves millions by using new procurement model

Set to open on 30th November, Wingecarribee Shire Council's new Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre is being acknowledged for delivering a highly cost-effective facility and high quality finish.

At a probable final cost of $9.1 million, the new facility will include an indoor heated 25 metre x eight lane competition pool with ramp access; a 25 metre heated multi function pool with aquatic play, learn to swim and hydrotherapy capability; tiered seating; a 320 metre2 gym; short term child minding, full commercial kitchen servicing an air conditioned viewing space and office space.

Designed by the Facility Design Group (FDG) architectural practice, the development of the Centre is a result of an innovative method of project procurement, where Council has taken ownership of the project while acting as developer, with FDG acting as full time construction managers on behalf of council.

With no head contractor, FDG has undertaken the full design, procurement and contract management of the project, resulting in massive savings on the overall project cost.

This open book system of procurement includes the client in all decisions and monetary transactions both savings made and cost over runs when they occur.

Other innovations in the facility include:

Ozone bromine not chlorine as disinfection an innovation that has not been utilised in local government indoor pools in Australia for more than a decade. Ozone water treatment does not rot the building fabric as no chloramines are produced. An expensive system, if designed correctly it has many virtues with big pay backs.

Solar heating from Smart Heat - utilising a German large format evacuated solar tube technology. Linking with 10 gas boilers to provide the heating for the two indoor pools, hydronic in-slab heating for all pool concourses and all amenities, as well as hot water for amenities. During winter this combined system is expected to ease the burden of energy cost on the facility.

The cost-effective delivery of the Moss Vale Aquatic Centre follows similar FDG construction management projects in Pambula and Broken Hill and is attracting interest from other Councils unable to fund the multi-million dollar cost of major aquatic and recreation facilities.

FDG Principal Stephen Johansson recently addressed a public meeting considering the City of Victor Harbor and Alexandrina Council's plans to develop a new regional aquatic centre on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. The community is asking council as to why Moss Vale Aquatic Centre is delivering a high class facility of similar size for less than half of the estimated build cost of their design.

Explaining the process, Johansson states "I believe that our model for developing the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre is a highly transparent method of project procurement, where the Council takes more ownership of the project as is usually the case.

"This process eliminates the head contractor - and allows multiple individual contracts between each contractor and Council and there is no risk of the head contractor going bust, which is an all-too-frequent occurrence over recent years.

"It has also been to the great satisfaction of contractors getting paid fortnightly this makes for a happy working environment and usually great comradery on site thus leading to a better quality of installation.

"If people are paid regularly there is a great feeling of comfort and hence a better work ethic."

The Moss Vale Aquatic Centre is to be managed by Belgravia Leisure.

For more information contact Stephen Johansson of the Facility Design Group on 0411 030 343, E: stephen@fdg.com.au, www.mvaquatic.com.au/home

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