Sod turned for Stage 1 of the new Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre
5 May 2023
Construction has begun on Stage 1 of the new Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Mount Barker with the first sod turned on Friday 5 May to mark the official commencement of the project.
The regional aquatic and leisure centre project has been co-funded by the Australian Government through the Community Development Grant scheme and Government of South Australia’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program.
Mt Barker Council Mayor, David Leach said that the sod-turning event is a historic occasion for Mount Barker.
“It recognises the hard work and support shown by many stakeholders to get to this point including the present and former Council, staff, the Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, State Member for Kavel, Dan Cregan, and the Community Reference Group,” Mayor Leach said.
“The work continues from here behind the scenes and on the ground to deliver the Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre to our community by the summer of 2024/2025.”
The Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre has been designed as a multi-purpose, fully accessible community space, with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised swimming.
It will feature four pools, including a splash pad, a warm water therapy pool, and a 25m metre, 10 lane competition capable lap pool which meets SwimmingSA guidelines, allowing Mount Barker to host regional athletic meets.
Besides the four pools, the new aquatic centre will boast a gym and fitness rooms, wet and dry cafe, and community meeting rooms.
All pools include accessibility ramps, wide concourses and multiple disabled change areas including a designated changing places facility.
The new centre is being built on Council-owned land, within a precinct bordered by Bald Hills and Springs Road. The site already contains Stage 1 of the Summit Sport and Recreation Park, linear trail, and heritage barns.
“Council is excited to be investing in a new indoor aquatic and leisure centre, creating a destination that the whole community can enjoy,” Mayor Leach said.
“The Summit Precinct has the potential to be one of Australia’s leading regional recreation, leisure, sport and entertainment facilities while supporting the growth of Mount Barker; one of South Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“While providing amenities for our local community, the site is capable of generating a level of private sector investment able to create local employment and support the Adelaide Hills tourism sector with tourist park accommodation, indoor recreation activities, and outdoor activities like mini golf and aerial rope courses.”
Construction of the Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre is expected to be complete by the end of summer 2024/2025 with 15 new employment positions anticipated to be generated once opened.
Pictured above L-R: Mayor David Leach, Minister Clare Scriven MLC, Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, State Member for Kavel Dan Cregan