Work has begun on the $4.2 million West Wallsend Swim Centre expansion, with a new indoor learn-to-swim pool set to open next year.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz and Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi turned the sod on Friday 15 August, marking the official start of the project.
Mayor Adam said the expansion would cater for the rapid growth of the centre's catchment area, particularly around West Wallsend and Cameron Park.
"Our Aquatic Facilities Strategy identified upgrading West Wallsend Swim Centre as a high priority, so it's fantastic to see boots on the ground and work commencing," he said.
"Learning to swim is a survival skill – an essential when you live in Lake Macquarie. Once the project is complete, the centre will be much better equipped to teach those valuable lessons to people of all ages and abilities for many years to come."
The new learn-to-swim pool will cater for children from six months of age upwards, featuring an accessible pool ramp, accessible bathrooms and showers, and a new lifeguard area for better surveillance.
It will also provide a space for community programs like A Splash of Colour, which teaches women from culturally diverse backgrounds how to swim, and Rainbow Club, which focuses on swim skills for children with learning difficulties.
The work follows recent upgrades to the centre's car park, funded by the Australian Government through its Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.
The western car park upgrade included a new asphalt surface and line marking for 19 designated spaces.
"We will do everything we can to minimise disruption to pool users throughout the construction period," Mayor Adam said.
Go to lakemac.com.au
