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Speaking from ground zero of the $10.3m Corowa Aquatic Centre construction site Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke could not hold back his excitement about council’s big “gamechanger” projects.
“The Ball Park Masterplan encompassing the new aquatic centre, sports pavilion, redevelopment of Ball Park Caravan Park and the foreshore plus the already finished playground it so important for this community,” he told The Free Press.
“This masterplan with its big projects will help slingshot Corowa out of the COVID-19 pandemic to quickly become a leading Murray River destination.”
Mayor Bourke said Federation Council has worked hard in developing what it believes will be “the rebirth of something big for Corowa and district”.
“The whole Ball Park complex has so much appeal and what we are doing here is the beginning of further realising its true potential,” he said.
“This masterplan is a gamechanger for the community as we look to increase tourism and attractiveness of the area for people looking for a tree change, to retire or even relocate for work.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made people realise they can work from anywhere and we want our council area to be a choice destination to live.”
Cr Bourke said the new aquatic centre, which is expected to be completed by March next year, will be a drawcard in its own right.
“To have an indoor pool is so important to the community, we are really excited about the whole complex, but the indoor pool will be such an attractive asset to market and promote not only to visitors but people in nearby towns.”
Last Friday, contractor Hines Construction Site Manager Simon Green said the aquatic centre project is coming along well with concrete pouring at full steam along with assistance from local contractors.
“It’s been a busy week as we start the base concrete pouring,” Mr Green told The Free Press. “The concrete has high compressive strength of 40mpa and the measurements have to be near perfect.
“The pool is being built to Olympic standards and must go through stringent testing.”
Mr Green praised local tradespeople. “The assistance of local trades has helped enormously as the project construction advances,
“The local trade businesses have been amazing. It’s great to be assisting local business with this project but it also assists us as we don’t have the expense and hassle of bringing in trades.”
When Federation Council decided on the successful tenderer last October, Mayor Bourke said at the time it is a very exciting milestone to drive forward this project after many years of consideration by councils.
The new facility will include an indoor heated pool with 3 x 25m practice lanes, a dedicated learn to swim area, reception and café area, amenities blocks, plant rooms, outdoor splash pad and competition standard eight-lane 50 metre pool.
The consulted final design was used for the tender process, which was very well received by the community and endorsed by the Swimming Pool Advisory Committee.
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