MEDIA RELEASE B5209 PROGRESS ON BAROSSA HEALTH AND AQUATIC

							                    MEDIA RELEASE B52/09

August 16, 2009

      PROGRESS ON BAROSSA HEALTH AND
           AQUATIC CENTRE PLANS
Barossa Council is preparing to consult with key stakeholders over the design
of the new $12 million Barossa Health and Aquatic Centre as draft concept
plans near completion.

Several options have been prepared and costed by the project team to identify
the most cost-effective concept solution, and Mayor Brian Hurn said in
conjunction with centre manager Belgravia Leisure, Council has developed a
design that is functional and within budget.

User groups will now be invited to provide feedback on its functionality before
detailed design work begins.

“Members of the community can be assured of a high standard of design
throughout the facility, and plans are well on track for a new 25 metre indoor
swimming pool incorporating hydrotherapy pool and Splash ‘n’ Play, three
multi-purpose sports courts, three squash courts and specialist consulting
rooms,” he said.

“The aquatic and multi-function fitness elements of the centre will boast
contemporary design features that maximise value for money and the
flexibility required of the facility.”

To optimise the community’s investment in these areas and maximise the
potential of the budget, Council is exploring opportunities to refurbish
elements of the existing centre and integrate them into the new concept
design.

Mr Hurn said the move was designed to make the best use of existing
infrastructure and meet the expectations of the community, and had the added
benefit of maximising cost control and delivering the financial sustainability of
the project.

“Retention of parts of the existing facility represents an environmentally
sustainable solution and is in keeping with Council’s policy for financial
sustainability,” Mr Hurn said.
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“This approach is aimed at keeping construction costs within budget and
ensuring the cost to ratepayers remains unchanged, a key priority when we
first committed to this long-overdue and much anticipated project.”

Council anticipates construction will begin in January, with the facility set to
open in December 2010.

“This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects that Council has undertaken,
and we are keen to involve those who have a stake in its ownership, which is
why we will shortly be seeking input from user groups including basketball,
squash, kindergym and gymnastics,” Mr Hurn said.

“We are coming close to finalising a concept design within budget and we look
forward to moving this project to the detailed design phase.”

Ends

For more information contact Barossa Council’s Director, Corporate and
Community Services, Andrew Cameron, on 8563 8444.