Construction work is expected to begin later this year on City of Darwin's new $25 million Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
In announcing the go-ahead of the development, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said construction of the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre would be one of the most significant construction projects in the Darwin municipality, and will support the local economy and jobs.
"With three pools, including a resort-style lagoon pool, the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre will be a further boost to the lifestyle of northern suburbs residents," Mr Vatskalis said.
"What we are planning here is more than a pool - it's a leisure experience where families can escape the heat and comfortably enjoy time together in Darwin's beautiful tropical outdoors."
Features of the new facility will include:
- Eight lane, 50 metre lap pool
- 25 metre learn-to-swim pool
- Resort-style lagoon pool
- Café and BBQ facilities
- Wet and dry play areas
- Basketball half-court
- Swimming club rooms.
Mr Vatskalis said Council would also explore opportunities for the possible establishment of private childcare and allied health services at the new aquatic centre.
It became possible for the project to proceed after City of Darwin was granted the necessary borrowing approval under the Local Government Act.
But City of Darwin also received a commitment from the Federal Labor Government for a $7.5 million contribution towards the construction of the facility.
"It is pleasing to see Labor's Member for Solomon Luke Gosling and his colleague Senator Malarndirri McCarthy are right behind the new Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre," Mr Vatskalis said.
"They endorsed the facility back in February 2022 in the lead-up to the federal election, and their support is greatly appreciated by City of Darwin.
"We have also applied for $7.5 million in funding under the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund."
Mr Vatskalis said the existing 40-plus year-old Casuarina pool had served the community well but required significant maintenance and was nearing the end of its useful life.
Territory company Halikos Construction will be responsible for delivering the Casuarina Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre project.
Final designs for the new facility are expected to be completed in late 2022. Construction is expected to commence in late 2022 and be completed by late 2024.
