UPGRADES at the ageing Gawler Aquatic Centre will begin this week, with more than $900,000 to be splashed on the project.

As part of the Gawler Aquatic Centre Amenities Upgrade, works will include a male and female change-room makeover, installation of under-floor heating, refurbishment of the first aid room and a new entrance feature statement.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman told The Bunyip the upgrades would improve the quality of amenities, along with the look and feel of the facility.

“A key aspect was pushing the design team to make the place ‘pop with colour’,” she said.

“This will be very obvious from the time you arrive at the upgraded centre.

“Mossop Construction + Interior has been appointed to deliver this project…

“Key aspects in Mossop’s appointment was their ability to deliver the project within the timeframes required and the importance they placed on utilising local sub-contractors and engaging local trades where practical.”

The project is being part-funded through a Federal Government Sports Australia Community Sport Infrastructure Program grant ($409,445) and council funding the balance ($513,055).

“The existing change rooms have not had a significant upgrade since they were constructed over 60 years ago,” Ms Redman said.

“This project will modernise the pool facilities and make them much more inviting. It will improve the swimming experience for all patrons, especially those with additional accessibility requirements and for families with young children.

“The change room layout will be much more flexible to cater for requirements of different user groups, improving the useability of change room spaces at different periods of use.

“The new entry statement planned will provide a vibrant and welcoming entrance to the aquatic centre, inviting local and regional patrons back again.”

Ms Redman said the works should not affect pool users.

“Every effort is being made to complete the works in time for the spring 2020 opening of the pool,” she said.

“This is scheduled for early October, 2020.”

Breakout***

Works to be undertaken

• Refurbishment of the male and female change rooms.
• Installation of a new family friendly and accessible change rooms.
• Installation of under-floor heating in all change rooms.
• Refurbishment of the first aid room.
• Refurbishment of the multi-purpose room used by council staff, Department of Education and Child Development and Gawler Amateur Swimming Club.
• Exterior façade painting.
• New entrance feature statement, entry gate and updated entryway.
• Installation of rubber flooring between the change rooms and 50m pool.