Rising building costs at Ellenbrook Recreation and Aquatic Centre prompt City of Swan to review Aquatic Strategy

While earthworks commenced on the Ellenbrook Recreation and Aquatic Centre and the expression of interest for construction opened in late 2020, rising building costs have prompted the City of Swan to review their Recreation and Aquatic Facility Strategy. Two attempts to secure a contractor via a tender process to build the Centre have been unsuccessful. 

City of Swan Council made the difficult decision in early March 2022, to temporarily place the project on hold, to allow time to investigate and reassess all options.

This review will ensure the current and future needs of the Ellenbrook community are considered carefully, recognising the community has developed and grown drastically since the original concept and the last aquatic review was conducted in 2015.

The City of Swan advises it is “is committed to delivering the Ellenbrook Recreation and Aquatic Project to local residents in the Ellenbrook area, and we welcome community input to ensure the end result is one we can all be proud of. This provides an opportunity to engage directly with local residents and stakeholders, which the City acknowledges is an area for improvement.”

The first step is a community event on 29th April, 2022, at Ellenbrook District Open Space.

At this initial engagement sessions, the City will provide an update on the current situation, what that means for the project and the community, what the next steps will be and information about how people can be involved moving forward.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said this temporary pause would provide an opportunity for the City to investigate and reassess all options, ensuring Council finds the best and most cost-effective way to deliver a recreation and aquatic centre for the Ellenbrook community.

“Putting the project on hold was a difficult decision to make. We know how much the Ellenbrook community want and deserve this facility, but the current construction market is just too volatile to enable the City to build the current facility at a reasonable cost,” he said.

“One thing is very clear, the City and all Councillors are united in ensuring a recreation and aquatic centre is built in the Ellenbrook area.

“We are also committed to ensuring the project is delivered in consultation with the community wherever possible.”

Read more about planned engagement and register to attend the community event on 29th April.

Image: General Swimming via Shutterstock