Work has begun on a new $17.5 million aquatic and wellness centre in George Town that will replace the ageing seasonal pool with year-round facilities.
The northern Tasmanian project will deliver an enclosed 25-metre pool, warm water therapy pool, gymnasium and two allied health consulting rooms.
George Town Mayor Greg Kieser said moving to a 365-day-a-year facility would transform community access to aquatic services.
The warm-water pool has been designed for rehabilitation, older residents and young children learning to swim, with NDIS clients also able to access therapeutic programs.
Federal Labor MP Jess Teesdale said the new facility would play an important role in improving water safety.
“I’m imagining parents bringing their kids for swim lessons and accessing this pool all year round. That is really integral to get that training up for learning to swim,” she said.
The project has received $15 million in federal funding and $2.5 million from the state government.
It marks a major upgrade for the community, with the old pool having reached the end of its life.
Kieser said while some locals were disappointed to see the old pool go, its poor condition and site constraints meant rebuilding on the same footprint was the best option.
Construction company Fairbrother is leading the build, employing local apprentices from its George Town training programs.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said many pools built in the 1960s and 70s were now failing, making upgrades like this increasingly important across Australia.
“We hope that this pool … will serve this community and beyond for the next 40 years,” she said.
“Who knows, we might have an Olympic champion come out of the George Town swimming pool into the future.”
The new centre is expected to open within 12 months.
