Time is running out for the Hobart City Council’s proposed hydrotherapy pool and wellness centre project, with a $7 million hole recently uncovered and millions in funding set to dry up by the end of the year.
A report prepared for tonight’s Council meeting shows that the addition to the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre is now looking ‘highly unlikely’, with the Council at risk of losing a $3.4 million Federal Government grant if the project is not started by December 31.
Despite asking “several Members of Parliament and Senators” for an increase in the grant period, no extension has been made – and if the project drags on past July 2024, a $2.65 million grant from the State Government will also be lost.
The revelation comes one month after the Council revealed that just one quote – around double the estimated $7 million price tag – was received during the tender process.
However, the quote is “now invalid” after expiring, forcing Council to look to ‘continue lobbying’ to retain existing funding and to “seek additional funding opportunities” for the construction of the pool.
“Without retaining the current and seeking new external funding the warm water pool project will not proceed and the opportunity to deliver the project in a timely and efficient manner as part of the redevelopment, will be lost,” the report reads.
“In the event the additional required funding for the Warm Water Pool and Wellness Centre project is not forthcoming from the Federal and State Governments by 31 October 2023, then the Council formally advise the Federal and State Governments that it is not able to proceed with the project at this stage.”
The report detailed the “poor condition” of the existing change room facilities at the pool, some of which contain “aspects [that] are non-compliant to current building codes” and “regularly receive negative feedback in relation to their condition and availability”.
“If the project does not proceed considerations will be required to upgrade these changes room to contemporary standards as a matter of urgency.”
The report also said the current wellness area, which includes spas, sauna and steam rooms were “approaching end of life”.
“The sauna and steam room are the original structure and the internals are worn and the mechanics are subject to regular failures.”
“The City of Hobart has already invested a significant amount of funding over the years towards the redevelopment of the DKHAC and is committed to updating the facilities to ensure it meets community expectations and growing demand.”
At a size of 18m x 10m, the warm water hydrotherapy pool aims to address a shortage of suitable pools for hydrotherapy in Southern Tasmania and includes consultation rooms, ramp access and fully accessible change rooms.
