Leisure Centre repair contractor appointed
12 October 2023
Key points:
- Work on the Leisure Centre has been confirmed for January 2024
- The work had been delayed due to tenders quoting significantly higher costs than expected
- It will now occur in stages – starting with the spa, plant room, beach access, new water feature toys and general maintenance
- Other features – such as the new splash pad play area and learn-to-swim pool – will be considered for future stages
- Unfortunately delays have pushed the timing out to summer. However, there is no good time to close the pool area, as it is utilised year-round, so we ask for the community’s understanding during this period
- An entirely new facility is not feasible due to the $30-60m cost, meaning maintenance of the current facility must be prioritised
Work on the Whyalla Leisure Centre now has a timeframe, with Hydrilla appointed as the contractor for the project and expected to start work in January 2024.
The appointment comes after lengthy delays due to tender responses quoting significantly higher costs than expected, leading to a review of how the work could be delivered.
Maintenance and upgrades will now need to be completed in stages, with the first stage seeing the reopening of the spa; upgrades to the plant room – improving efficiency, water flow and treatment capability across all three pools; a new ‘beach access’ surface (non-slip but less abrasive than the current surface); installation of new water feature toys (replacing existing mushrooms); and general maintenance and repairs (retiling, regrouting etc).
Mayor Phill Stone said the delays were regrettable, but also critical to ensure Whyalla City Council could return value for the community’s investment.
“This is another example of higher costs impacting on regional communities, but fortunately we’ve been able to work with Hydrilla on a staged approach,” Mayor Stone said.
“We know many people have been crying out for the spa to be reopened, so we’re pleased we can include that in this initial stage. The plant room upgrade will also benefit the entire facility, creating a more efficient and reliable system that will minimise disruptions and reduce costs following the work.
“Unfortunately, the new splash pad play area and learn-to-swim pool will need to be considered for future stages of the project, as will more significant upgrades such as a new roof. We will provide updates on what these next stages will look like once they’ve been determined.”
Mayor Stone also addressed the timing of the work occurring over summer.
“The delays due to costs – as well as long lead times on many of the materials required – have unfortunately pushed the start time out significantly,” he said.
“While there is never a good time to close the pool area – it is utilised year-round – these works cannot be delayed any further, so we ask for the community’s understanding throughout this period. We will work with Hydrilla and the YMCA to minimise any periods where the pool area needs to close.”
Mayor Stone said although the community had voiced its preference for an entirely new facility, unfortunately that was not a feasible option at this stage.
“We would all prefer a new state-of-the-art facility, however both Council and our community do not have the $30-60 million required to fund such an investment,” he said.
“As such, we must prioritise the maintenance of the existing centre. Most importantly, these current works will improve the facility for years to come and pave the way for larger upgrades, providing we can secure the external funding required.”