Community and Rec Hub Sod Turning Ceremony

The first sod was turned at the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre this afternoon to mark the official commencement of the $39.1 million Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub project.

It follows a $15 million capital Australian Government funding agreement for the project under the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) formalised on 1 April 2019 and $10 million from the State Government RGF confirmed on 18 April 2019.

This ground-breaking event is a historic occasion for Mount Gambier.- City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin.

“It recognises the hard work and support shown by many stakeholders to get to this point including the present and former Council, staff, the Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin and the Community Reference Group (CRG).”

The Australian Government funding was conditional on majority community support for the project, as indicated by the elector survey undertaken in late 2018 which returned an overwhelming 71.6 per cent ‘yes’ response to move ahead with the project from a total of 8,722 survey returns.

“The work continues from here behind the scenes to deliver the largest infrastructure project Council has ever undertaken to our community by the end of 2021,” Mayor Martin said.

The Community and Recreation Hub will be designed as a multi-purpose community space, with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.

The intermediate design provides for:

• A centrally located venue suitable for large conferences, events and performances for more than 1500 people, including smaller meeting rooms.
• Six courts in two banks of three, with different court surfaces allowing for alternative uses. One bank of three courts will be acoustically enhanced for entertainment purposes.
• Indoor climate controlled aquatics facilities including a learn to swim pool, children’s water splash/play area, a 25 metre pool and a warm water pool.
• Youth spaces for programming and activities.
• Crèche, café, and office spaces for sporting groups and allied health.
• Disability ramp access to the pools, wide concourses and multiple disabled change facilities including a purpose built disability change room.

In consultation with Council, Architects DesignInc and Co-Op Studio have provided a preliminary project plan outlining timelines for the next stage of the project.

“Council is working with the design team to establish the draft implementation plan as a work in progress which will be further refined as we move forward.”

“You won’t physically see works happening on site for a few months, but there is a lot going on in the background including development approvals, the commencement of soil and water testing and the timber feasibility study.”

Work is expected to begin on site at Olympic Park on 30 June 2019.

For further information about the project, visit https://www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au/CaRH

Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on (08) 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au