Gunnedah Shire Council has appointed Hines Constructions to undertake the multi-million dollar upgrade works at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.
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The decision to push ahead with the Bathurst-based construction company was made at a council meeting on Wednesday night.
The pool project includes a new 50 metre outdoor pool, wet play area for kids and a new pavilion. The existing amenities in the 25 metre heated pool enclosure will be also refurbished and disability access will be improved across the complex.
As part of the works, a new water filtration system will be installed to ensure all pools in the complex meet current sanitation standards.
“The works under the construction contract are consistent with the recommendations of the Memorial Pool Working Group and community expectations for renewal of the complex,” Gunnedah deputy mayor Gae Swain said.
“The $11.375 million contract will provide the Gunnedah community with an outstanding public swimming facility that will have a life of over 50 years.
“The pool upgrade has been a major decision for council and I look forward to seeing the first sod turned on such an important and impressive community facility.”
At the meeting, the council also determined to lodge an expression of interest for Resources for Regions funding to support construction of additional elements identified in stage one of the master plan for the complex, which will not be undertaken as part of the contract.
“These elements include the two large canopies over the kids wet play area and the 50 metre pool, respectively, which were optional works identified by the working group,” acting director of infrastructure services Edward Paas said.
Building work is expected to start in early October with a 12-month construction time frame. It is anticipated that the upgraded facility will be open for the 2018-19 summer season.
“Every effort will be made to maintain availability of public swimming facilities during the construction phase,” Mr Paas said.
“It is expected that the 25 metre heated pool will remain open during the construction works, apart from the periods when the filtration system is upgraded and the amenities are refurbished.
“Considerable interaction will occur with stakeholders and the community when the construction program and timelines are locked down.”
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