The architectural firm charged with drawing up plans for a major revamp of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool had their first look at the complex on Tuesday.
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The team from GHD Pty Ltd, which was awarded the design tender for the $7.8 million pool upgrade earlier this month, were shown around the complex by Gunnedah Shire Council director of planning and environmental services, Michael Silver.
“The GHD team got their first introduction to the site with a walk around this morning,” Mr Silver said on Tuesday.
“They spent most of the day here having a look around the complex and meeting with the pool advisory committee and councillors,” Mr Silver said.
The revamp includes an upgrade of the 50m pool to eight lanes with a wet deck, a children’s wading area water park, a renewed front entrance and kiosk area, change facilities and improvements to the heated pool, including a wet deck area.
The multi-million dollar project has been in the pipeline for several years and is an issue close to the heart of many Gunnedah residents.
“The consultation process will be very important and will include members of the community,” he said.
As part of their visit, the GHD team met with the pool advisory committee, which was formed earlier this year. The committee includes a number of community representatives, and will work with the consultants from the concept design phase through to construction and completion.
Once a draft plan is completed later this year it will go on public exhibition. It will then be put to council for endorsement.
“One of our main aims is ensuring we have a sustainable design and we are improving efficiency in terms of operational management of the pool,” Mr Silver said.
It is expected tenders for the construction of the project will be called for early next year, with hopes construction will be completed by the 2016-17 summer season.
Mr Silver said plans were in place for construction to be completed one section at a time, allowing year-round swimmers access to a pool.
“We are hoping that work on the outdoor pool will take place in winter when it is normally closed and then on the indoor pool over summer.”
Council is aiming for a FINA level two grading for the complex, which will take it up to a state level.
“This will allow for more regional and NSW competitions to be held here.”
Mr Silver said one of the biggest challenges faced by the design team would be working with the existing 60-year-old infrastructure.
“The main pool was built in the mid-1950s and it’s basically at the end of its serviceable life.
“It has a number of significant maintenance issues, including cracking, but more particularly, the filtration system doesn’t meet current standards and that requires a significant upgrade to the facility.”