Aquatic Centre upgrades considered despite potential $90 million price tag
Northern Beaches Council will further investigate upgrading or redeveloping the Warringah Aquatic Centre, despite its preferred plans potentially costing up to $90 million.
In October, councillors resolved for staff to investigate redeveloping the site to include a 4,000 square metre, three court minimum multi-discipline indoor sports centre.
The report, which will be returned to Council by December, will also look into removing some concrete seating, stairs, storage and staff areas on the western side of the building to install a fully equipped gym and a program pool.
The possibility of a group fitness room and creche in the current outdoor area will also be investigated, along with installing water slides and water play and adventure areas by removing the current outdoor pool.
The potential of installing a 12-lane x 25-metre deep indoor pool on the eastern side of the facility and creating a play centre café with an indoor playground for children aged up to 11 years will also be explored.
Meanwhile, the 50-metre pool and diving area would be upgraded.
Council staff say upgrading the site could reduce ongoing costs associated with the ageing facility and allow the centre to improve its poor financial performance.
The inclusion of three multi-discipline courts has also been touted as a potential solution to the significant demand for indoor sports facilities on the Beaches, however one adjacent baseball diamond would be lost to accommodate the build.
Councillors were divided on pursuing a report into the upgrades after it was revealed the project could cost up to $90 million, dependent on factors including the amount of demolition and whether the site would require decontamination due to its position atop a former landfill.
“Eighty to $90 million is just so much money in a time when we’re coming into what possibly could be a recession,” argued Councillor Stuart Sprott.
However, Cr Jose Menano-Pires, who pushed for the report, maintained there was no expectation to pay the full cost out of the Council coffers.
“I’m certainly not proposing [spending $80 – $90 million],” he said.
“An indoor sports centre has extra benefit to the community… However, we need to think outside the square and the way to do it is by using private capital, if available.”