The $6.2 million Northam Aquatic Centre has started construction, with residents to expect the project to be completed by the end of the year.
Works for the new facility commenced on Monday, January 14 under the guidance of tender winner Cooper and Oxley.
Shire of Northam president Chris Antonio officiated at a ground breaking ceremony to celebrate the project commencement.
The works will see the construction of the new aquatic aentre adjacent to the Northam Recreation Centre which is expected to take approximately 12 months.
The project, including 50 metre heated pool, leisure pools, water slides, new changing facilities and BBQ areas, will replace the current Northam Olympic Pool.
Councilor Antonio said the turning of the sod marks the start of an exciting project for the people of the Shire of Northam.
“The current pool has served our community well for approximately 60 years, but it is time for a new facility,” he said.
“While the construction phase is going to provide some challenges for users of the facilities at the Northam Recreation Centre, I am sure the community will embrace the new facility once it is open”
As part of the construction a large portion of the current Northam Recreation Centre car park has been closed permanently from Tuesday, January 15.
During construction of the new facility, and until new parking has been constructed, overflow parking arrangements will be made on Jubilee Oval.
Shire of Northam acting chief executive Clinton Kleynhans said it is understood that the construction of centre will cause inconvenience for groups that use the Northam Recreation Centre.
“The major issue identified is the loss of a substantial amount of parking, and the temporary parking solution is seen as the most convenient as it still provides easy access to the recreation centre,” he said.
“The parking arrangement will be continually reviewed to ensure that it meets the needs of the recreation centre patrons, and to also limit any deterioration of Jubilee Oval as much as possible.”
Chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker said the new aquatic facility development will be delivered at a greater overall cost than was originally projected, the net financial impact to Council will be $570,000 more than was originally planned.
“Our long-term financial planning had an estimated net cost to Council of $5.7m, based on the tenderjust awarded this net cost will be $6.277m,” Mr Whiteaker said.
“Council staff did an outstanding job in securing $4.7m in external grant funding for the project, $1.5m from the State Government CSRFF and $3.2m from the Federal Government BBRF.”
Any enquiries in relation to access to the recreation centre or the aquatic centre project can be directed to the recreation centre on (08) 9622 5153 or records@northam.wa.gov.au.
