YMCA Aquatic has been selected to manage the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, slated to open this upcoming summer. The announcement was made by Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, championed YMCA Aquatic’s extensive experience in aquatic facility management.
The new facility, part of a $135 million investment, is currently under construction and will provide significant employment opportunities, with an emphasis on rehiring former staff of the previous aquatic centre. Up to 300 roles are expected to be filled, following a comprehensive hiring process designed to staff the expansive new centre.
YMCA Aquatic’s current portfolio includes managing the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre at Oaklands Park, which opened its doors in 2011. The organisation is well-regarded in the industry for providing both recreational facilities and competitive sport avenues for a variety of aquatic activities.
The construction of the new centre is progressing rapidly with notable achievements. The structure includes significant wooden elements, such as 52 timber beams and columns, which contribute significantly to the centre’s innovative design. Notably, the largest wooden beam, weighing over 10 tonnes and measuring nearly 23 cubic metres, has been installed, making it the largest of its kind in the nation.
Additionally, concrete structures for outdoor pools are completed and are currently undergoing testing phases. The indoor leisure pool’s construction is in full swing, with over 2,800 cubic metres of concrete already laid for the pool structures. The groundwork is becoming more visible with ongoing concrete pours and elaborate façade works that include brickwork, cladding, and substantial steelwork.
Looking ahead, the next few months will focus on completing the enclosure of the buildings, tiling the pools with nearly 313,000 tiles in total, and continuing the internal fit-out. This phase will encapsulate the centre’s aesthetic and functional features, preparing for a busy summer season ahead.
Once completed, the centre will boast a variety of facilities aimed at enhancing the recreational experience for Adelaide residents. These include a 50-metre, 10-lane indoor pool, various outdoor pools including a 25-metre, 8-lane pool and a lagoon-style pool, as well as a warm water rehabilitation pool and facilities tailored for diving and swim learning.
Additional amenities such as a spa, sauna, and steam rooms, combined with expansive indoor leisure spaces equipped with splash zones and water slides, promise to make the Adelaide Aquatic Centre a premier destination. Not to be overlooked are the substantial gym and fitness facilities, inclusive amenity spaces, and significantly improved car parking and connectivity to pedestrian and cycle pathways.
The revitalization of this space is anticipated to provide a dynamic and inclusive community hub that catels to all ages and preferences, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle within the community.
The project is part of a broader initiative contributing to over 1,500 jobs during the construction period alone, signalling robust economic growth and development potential within the region.
For more details on the progress and features of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, community members can visit the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s website st https://dit.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/adelaide_aquatic_centre.
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