South Australians are being asked to contribute their ideas and preferences for the design of the brand-new Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide.
The Malinauskas Government has committed $82.4 million to own, build and operate a new Aquatic Centre in the Adelaide City northern Park Lands, and is seeking further community feedback as part of the design process.
Earlier this year consultation occurred on the site selection within Park 2 for this project. After extensive community consultation, the site immediately south of the existing centre was chosen as the preferred location for an improved, fit-for-purpose aquatic facility.
A second consultation process is now commencing. As part of the design process, a community listening exercise will run from Monday 28 November to 18 December 2022, to provide insights that will assist with the concept design for the project.
The new Aquatic Centre will feature core facilities, including a 50-metre lap pool, splash play areas and health and wellbeing services.
This round of consultation stage provides an opportunity for people to communicate future community needs and expectations for the new Aquatic Centre, which is scheduled to open in late 2025.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis says “This listening exercise is integral to better understanding the kinds of experiences, additional facilities and aesthetics the community would like considered in the design of the new centre.
“All feedback provided during the engagement period will help to shape the concept design which makes this a truly grass roots, community empowered project from start to finish.”
This consultation process allows the community to have key input into the design this key social infrastructure.
Ongoing engagement with stakeholders, local residents and the broader community will ensure the design is sensitive to the community and Park Lands.
The development of the new Aquatic Centre will result in no net loss of Park Lands and will minimise any loss of vegetation.
“The new centre will be designed to minimise impact to Park Lands vegetation,” says Minister Koutsantonis. “The existing row of trees along Barton Terrace West and Jeffcott Road will be retained, and semi-mature new and replacement trees will also be planted.”
The Aquatic Centre will be designed by experienced Adelaide-based architecture firm JPE Design Studio. JPE will lead the design process, working in collaboration with aquatic and recreation architecture specialist Warren Mahoney.
Parallel to community consultation, the State Government is liaising with key stakeholders and impacted sport bodies to determine future use of the facility.
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood says “We’re keen to hear from the local community about the look and feel of the new Aquatic Centre and what services are a must.
“As a former swimming instructor, I can’t wait for the new centre to be a place where current and future generations learn to swim and play safely in the water, making special childhood memories that last a lifetime.”
You can provide feedback through:
- An online survey dit.sa.gov.au/aac
- A pop-up information stand during staffed hours at the existing Adelaide Aquatic Centre
- Drop-in sessions at Adelaide Aquatic Centre on Saturday 3 December (9-11am) and Sunday 11 December (10am-midday).
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