Sutherland Shire Council proposes upgrade program for aquatic and recreation centres

Sutherland Shire Council in Sydney’s southern suburbs is proposing a 15-year program of upgrades to its aquatic, recreation and sport centres with a budget of $300 million.

They are detailed in a draft Council strategy that is about to be placed on exhibition for community feedback.

The draft strategy includes extensive updates for the Council’s key facilities.

Sutherland Leisure Centre will be integrated with the basketball stadium and redeveloped "to reclaim its original status as the premier leisure centre in the region, with best practice, regionally classified, year-round aquatic, indoor sport and gym offerings".

The facility will also be expanded with additional features and spaces for waterplay attractions, indoor programming and gym while an eight to 10 court indoor sports stadium is proposed. Estimated cost: $80 to $150 million depending on the scale of redevelopment and integration.

Caringbah Leisure Centre will be redeveloped with additional new features and spaces for an indoor heated programming pool, water-plan and gym. Estimated cost: $50 to $150 million depending on level of precinct integration.

Engadine Leisure Centre's 50 metre outdoor pool would be replaced, there will be an examination of indoor opportunities and, in the long term, an indoor programming pool and toddlers' water-play space. Estimated cost: $5 to $7 million for pool and plant replacement.

Menai Indoor Sports Centre will have its roof replaced, other maintenance issues addressed and an investigation of overall functionality. Estimated cost: $1 million for new roof.

Como Pool - there will be an examination of the feasibility of replacing the facility with a zero-depth water play park as the pool reaches the end of its useful life. Estimated cost: $1 to 1.5 million.

Timeframe
Short term (up to years) projects include replacing the Menai Indoor Sports Centre roof, replacing the 50 metre pool at Engadine, feasibility studies and detailed planning for Sutherland and Caringbah centres and the Como pool.

Medium term (five to 10 years) projects include redeveloping the Caringbah centre and community precinct, upgrading the Menai centre and interior of Engadine centre.

Long term (10 to15 years plus) projects are the integration and redevelopment of the Sutherland centres and investigating possibilities at Engadine for the program pool and toddlers pool to go indoors.

A Council staff report said the strategy was developed after a study by a consulting firm and extensive community consultation and councillor workshops. There was high demand for water slide and splash park options.

Image: Sutherland Leisure Centre.