Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre (RALC) On Schedule and Within Budget
With a focus on completing significant groundwork as quickly as possible, the project remains on track to deliver a state-of-the-art facility in mid to late 2025 that will serve the community for generations to come.
The Head Contractor, Kennett Pty Ltd, has completed the installation of all new utility services including SAPN, sewer, SA Water, and NBN connections, as well as the completion of all piling and footing beams. In parallel, preliminary excavation has been completed for all pools along with detailed installation of in-ground pipework to the warm water pool ready for placement of concrete. Works to the 25m and Learn-to-Swim pools is also well progressed with concrete pours expected in June which marks a crucial phase in the project's development.
During the consultation process in 2019, there was some advocacy for the inclusion of a 50-metre indoor pool. Upon thorough assessment, the substantial capital and operational costs associated with such an addition could not be justified against projected user numbers. To ensure financial sustainably, the facility's scale must align with the population catchment it aims to serve. Lap pools, while essential, tend to be least used yet costly to maintain. Leisure pools and warm water therapy facilities, on the other hand, typically experience higher demand and generate increased revenue.
The design of the RALC has received support from SwimmingSA, which has verified that the proposed 25-metre pool can accommodate various competitions, including the Courier Cup and Regional Short Course Championships. Looking ahead, provisions have been made to integrate an outdoor 50-metre pool in a future phase of development.
A notable environmental feature of the RALC site is the incorporation of a rain garden within the carpark. This addition not only enhances the natural aesthetics but also serves a vital ecological function by filtering stormwater runoff. Given the large expanse of hard surfaces within the vicinity, a rain garden plays an important role in mitigating water pollution by capturing debris and contaminants, promoting soil filtration, and facilitating groundwater recharge.
In response to increased activity along Bald Hills Road, due in part to the construction of the RALC and the ambulance station, coupled with the rising popularity of the adjacent wetlands, Council has implemented a permanent reduction in speed from Scarborough Way to the Springs Road roundabout, now set at 60 km/h.
The continued construction of the RALC and ambulance station may see some traffic management from time to time.
