A state-of-the-art aquatic and community centre for the northern Gold Coast growth corridor is a step closer with bulk earthworks starting today on the 50-metre Olympic standard swimming pool.
The aquatic and community centre - with five pools - will anchor the integrated regional sport, leisure and community project on a 14-hectare site in Pimpama.
Mayor Tom Tate and Cr Donna Gates, Division 1 Councillor and Deputy Mayor, today turned the first sod to break ground for the facility and mark the start of the major construction phase.
Mayor Tate said the City was well on its way to delivering Australia's first 100 per cent energy self-sufficient sporting and community hub which is also the largest community infrastructure project the City has ever undertaken.
"I am delighted that we are on time and on budget with construction works progressing well and bulk earthworks starting today on the Olympic standard pool," he said.
"Work will start on the foundations in December with 87 piles to support over half a hectare of aquatic and community centre building. You will see the building rise from the ground in February next year."
Cr Gates said the hub was a welcome addition to the rapidly expanding northern Gold Coast growth corridor.
"I know that residents are eagerly anticipating this facility which will provide much needed netball and tennis facilities and recreational and sporting options for our community" she said.
"With five pools including a 10-lane Olympic standard pool and leisure pool, café, walking trails, events and community parks, there will be something for everyone to enjoy."
Mayor Tate said the sports hub is just one of the City's major investments in the northern Gold Coast.
"We are also investing heavily in major transport improvements designed to make a real difference to the everyday lives of residents, now and into the future. Over the next four years, the City will be spending an unprecedented amount on roads and active transport in the northern Gold Coast."
The aquatic centre will feature a shared foyer for the community centre with meeting/function rooms and a health and fitness centre.
There will be 12 courts in the netball facility with clubhouse, eight competition standard tennis courts and a junior 'hot shots' court, an events park for up to 3000 people and a 1-hectare community park.
Other features of the masterplan include a new signalised intersection on Rifle Range Road and 415 carparks. The netball courts and surrounding area will double as an events space and overflow car parking.
The project will provide 409 jobs during construction and contribute more than $161 million into the local economy. The netball facility and events park will open in late 2020 with the aquatic centre and other facilities to be ready by mid-2021.
