Plans to make Gunnedah’s public pool a 52 metre facility and add new children’s wet and dry play areas have been endorsed by Gunnedah Shire Council.
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Council last night considered plans for its $7.8 million upgrade of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool and adopted a preferred concept design.
The design includes an eight-lane, 52m cold water pool fitted with a movable bulkhead.
The pool depth will vary from 1.3m at the shallow end to 2m at the deep end, with a 1m diving board.
The design includes plans to keep the 25m heated pool open, and to upgrade the entry, treatment plant and amenities.
Also included in the design is a children’s wet play area with consideration of a slide for older children, and a “simplified” dry play area.
Shelters will cover parts of both the pools and play areas and the pavilion area and cafe will be refurbished.
The design also allows “provision of space for future new indoor heated pool incorporating full or partial kids’ west play area”.
The rock retaining wall will be landscaped and the design includes a 30kW photo-voltaic solar system.
“The preferred concept design addresses the areas of interest from the perspective of the community engagement,” a report to council by planning and environmental services director Michael Silver said.
“It allows the renewal to be considered in isolation of any future works to be identified in the long-term master plan.”
The design had been recommended by the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Working Group.
A council release this morning said the design took into account factors including community consultation, filtration requirements, design, health and safety standards, the budget and the future needs of the community.
Council also called for an extra report which will look at revenue, anaylsis of user numbers, business opportunities and other opportunities.
The report is also expected to look at renewal of the existing heated pool, and possible use of that pool for hydrotherapy.
The report is expected next month.
Council had allocated $140,000 for the long-term financial plan, but will use $96,000 of this to “bring the facility up to required filtration standards”.
“It’s important to note that this cost will occur, regardless of whether the preferred concept design is adopted,” a council spokesperson said.
“The additional $44,000 (of the $140,000) will help fund the new preferred concept design with many additional features, and will go towards creating a great space for our community to enjoy.
“This is one of the largest projects council has undertaken in 50 years and the new design provides great opportunities for the community, now and into the future.
“The benefits of the design include being focused towards community needs, increased capacity for dual use of the facility, more spaces for children to play (both wet and dry areas), updated amenities, and facilities that will attract people from around the region for both personal and competitive uses.”
