As the swimming season draws to a close, work is still progressing on a new Aquatic Centre to provide year-round swimming for our community and a centre of excellence for the sport of aquatics, education, and health.
In August 2025 Councillors agreed to enter an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement to minimise Council's financial risk of undertaking the project and ensure best value for the community.
The ECI process is commonly used in construction and allows increased input from specialist contractors during the planning stages of a project. The process allows for a more accurate understanding of the project cost as well as improved value management as contractors can flag more efficient and cost-effective ways to deliver the project before a final design is locked in.
Since September, Council staff and have been working with preferred contractor Richard Crookes Constructions on a final design with more accurate costs from subcontractors and suppliers, receiving technical advice on buildability and construction methods. Their involvement has assisted Council in ensuring the design is practical, efficient, affordable, and aligned to the expectations of Council, stakeholders and the local community.
"The team have been hard at it to find ways to improve the functionality of the centre so that it fits the needs of our community not just in the next two years, but for the next 30 years. While the concept has been in the community for a long time, there is a big difference between a concept and turning that concept into a reality, so we have had to work hard to make sure we are getting the best facility at a price we can afford," said Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb.
The ECI phase of the project is nearing completion, however Council is looking at commencing enabling works which will be undertaken at the Hillvue site in the coming months. Councillors will also vote on a report by June considering the final budget, funding strategy, and Design and Construction contract proposal, so major works can commence. Stage 1 of the Aquatics project has a total funding allocation currently of $45 million, funded through $15 million from the NSW Government, $9 million from the Australian Government and a $21 million Council contribution.
