Work is now underway on an upgrade to create a modern and expanded Willoughby Leisure Centre, with construction site fencing in place and a building contractor based on site.
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor, Willoughby MP Tim James and Belmadar Managing Director Alf Marrocco today celebrated the commencement of work.
The Council selected Belmadar to undertake the works, following a robust procurement process. Belmadar is a Naremburn-based construction company with extensive experience building community and public social infrastructure projects.
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said the centre's redevelopment was a once-in-a-generation project that would deliver three new pools, an upgraded multi-sport court hall, enhanced communal areas and improved accessibility and sustainability outcomes.
'After working with the community and stakeholders over several years to plan and design this project, it is terrific to see work underway,' Mayor Taylor said.
'By mid-2024, Willoughby will have a best in breed new leisure centre which will provide enhanced community facilities for a range of sports, including swimming, netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton.'
'It will also make the centre more accessible for key user groups, including women and young families, and users with mobility restrictions.'
Willoughby MP Tim James said he was excited to see the work at the centre underway.
The upgrade has been supported by a $5m grant from the NSW Government's Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, with all other funding coming from Council, including from developer contributions.
'The Willoughby Leisure Centre is a treasured community asset that plays a key role in meeting the recreational needs of the Willoughby community. It's terrific to see it about to become even better.'
'Getting active or playing sport with your team is an essential part of the Willoughby lifestyle. This partnership between levels of government will ensure the leisure centre continues to serve our community into the future.' Mr James said.
Belmadar Managing Director Alf Marrocco said, 'Being a local business, Belmadar is excited and proud to work with Willoughby City Council to successfully deliver this contemporary state-of-the-art Aquatic Centre, which will bring so much enjoyment to the local Community.'
Upcoming works that Belmadar will be undertaking include site set up and commencement of strip out and demolition of the Eastern Pool Hall.
A construction site compound has now been established around the centre. The first step in the centre's renewal will involve the demolition of the pool hall roof, followed by demolition of the pool hall itself. The new pool hall, entrance, expanded creche and upgraded sports hall courts will then be progressively built.
The centre's gym, including group fitness classes, and the school holiday program, will remain open across the entire construction phase.
Mayor Taylor said it was not possible to keep the 32-year-old pool open past November 2022, or to commence the reconstruction project after summer, given the complex's water pump and filtration system had reached the end of its useful life.
The Willoughby Leisure Centre upgrade will deliver:
- A new eight-lane 25m pool, providing optimal depths and temperatures for lap swimmers
- A new four-lane 20m learn to swim pool, with optimal temperature and depth
- A new and dedicated warm water four-lane 20m program pool, which will be used for rehabilitation, therapy and fitness classes
- A new spa and sauna adjoining the pool deck
- A new family change room
- An improved water filtration system, to reduce water wastage and energy use and mitigate contamination issues
- A new pool hall roof
- New accessibility features for all pools to support people with mobility restrictions
- Replacement wooden court flooring
- A new insulated roof and external wall cladding for the sports hall, delivering a more comfortable temperature and playing environment for athletes
- A refurbished entry area, which will allow the centre to process around 30 per cent more users at peak times
- New sustainability features, including solar photo-voltaic systems and rain water harvesting, delivering a 5 Star (Australian Excellence) Green Star rating
- Planting of 72 locally endemic trees, to replace the 24 trees which have been required to be removed to allow the expansion to take place.
- A new crèche outdoor area, allowing it to cater for around 75 per cent more children, allowing more young families to use the centre.
