Work set to begin on construction of Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre

After close to 30 years of lobbying and community fundraising for a facility, work is set to begin on the construction of the of Batemans Bay’s new aquatic, arts and leisure centre.

Eurobodalla Shire Council has awarded a $58 million contract for the construction of Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre to builders ADCO Constructions, whose projects include the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence, Pimpama Sports Hub on the Gold Coast, and the Shellharbour City Hub.

For the Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee Inc, the work will signal the success of a community campaign that goes back decades.

As reporterd by Get Regional, Committee President, Carolyn Harding advised "our committee was formed in 2003, but there were groups before that (so) it’s been about 30 years since an indoor aquatic centre was identified as a need in our community and fundraising began.”

During many years of street stalls, sausage sizzles and community events, the Committee has raised almost $80,000 for the project, and Harding said they were excited to see work about to begin, noting "we are so excited that people will see work start; that something is finally happening.

“It has been a lot of hard work.

“I always thought it would happen. It was just a matter of when. It boiled down to money. Council had the vision to have all the planning done so that when the money came along, we were ready to go.”

The new facility, designed by NBRS Architecture, will replace the existing 50-metre outdoor pool at Mackay Park with an indoor multi-pool aquatic centre complete with four water slides and internal and external water play, as well as meeting spaces, a gymnasium and a 350-seat theatre, all joined by a gallery walk that will house visitor information and a cafe.

With there having been considerable debate about whether the facility should include a 25-metre pool instead of the existing 50-metre Olympic standard pool, Harding hopes residents will now put that behind them and focus on the benefits of the new facilities.

She added "we would have loved a 50-metre pool but that’s not going to happen.

“People need to appreciate what we are going to get and not worry about what we can’t achieve.

“It’s a shame we can’t keep the old pool, but it’s at the end of its life and it’s costing a fortune to run.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Liz Innes said she cannot wait to see the first sod turned, stating “Council is thrilled to have a company with the experience of ADCO Constructions on board.

“Not only will we soon have a wonderful new facility open all year round, but its construction will also provide a big boost to our local economy at a time when we need it most.

“Following the impacts of the bushfires, projects such as this give us hope. They show us we have confidence to invest in our future and the future of our children.”

Images: Designs for the new Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre (top and middle) and community fundraising for the facility (below).