Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool Redevelopment - Update

Revitalisation of the Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool will significantly enhance aging community infrastructure and access to aquatic, leisure, recreational, and educational facilities.  Further investigations of the original 1970s 50m Pool Building and Caretakers Residence have revealed that substantial works will be required to meet modern day safety, design, and compliance standards.

The costs associated with refurbishment works could not be appropriately justified against the risks and issues identified, and after careful consideration it is proposed and recommended to proceed with full demolition and replacement of the building.  The revised design allows for improved site functionality and higher quality, purpose-built spaces that will better service community needs over the long term.

With these changes, more expansive green space has been incorporated into the Event Lawn, further improving event capacities, and ensuring that the facility is able to remain flexible and responsive to Community demands.

The benefits associated with providing a new 50m Pool Building and Caretakers residence include:
• An improved design life of the new structure that incorporates modern building standards; 
• Reduced on-going maintenance costs and risks of unforeseen issues in retaining an aging building;
• A contemporary architectural response that is cohesive with wider site elements;
• Purpose built community rooms with breakout lawn space, modern fitout and equipment;
• Caretakers Residence brought to a modern standard of living;
• Contemporary 50m Pool Amenities with enhanced accessibility and inclusion;
• Larger, consolidated areas of storage for the 50m Pool; 
• Higher quality, modern spaces with improved access to natural light and ventilation; and
• Improved noise separation, thermal efficiencies, and treatment of plant areas.

From a budgeting and timing perspective, this variation will have minimal to no impact on the estimated overall cost of the project.  Further, Council has been unsuccessful with its funding application to the Growing Regions Program round 1, however is continuing to identify opportunities for financial support.  As such, this will result in a delay to commencing procurement activities and ultimately construction commencement.