Construction has finished on George Town’s new indoor aquatic centre, giving residents in the state’s north year-round access to swimming and health facilities when it opens in the coming weeks.
The centre has a heated indoor 25-metre pool, a warm-water program pool, a gym and fitness room, allied health suites and a cafe.
Sport minister Nick Duigan said the centre was a “significant upgrade” on the town’s outdoor pool, which “served the community for more than 40 years”.
The federal government contributed $15 million and the Tasmanian government $2.5 million, with George Town Council also a partner in the project.
Programs will include recreational and lap swimming, learn-to-swim classes, warm-water therapy, fitness activities and health services.
Two local firms worked on the project, with Philp Lighton Architects designing the centre and Fairbrother building it.
Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King described it as “a wonderful project”.
“The Albanese Government is funding projects like this across Australia to support people living happier, healthier lives in our towns and suburbs,” she said.
Duigan said the redevelopment had been “a major undertaking over several years”.
“The Tasmanian government is proud to have supported the project with $2.5 million to see it through to completion,” he said.
Federal Bass MP Jess Teesdale said the warm-water pool would help older people and those with limited mobility.
“The warm-water pool will be particularly valuable for older residents and people with mobility challenges, providing opportunities for aqua aerobics, gentle exercise and rehabilitation in a safe, accessible environment,” she said.
George Town Mayor Greg Kieser said the end of construction was “an exciting milestone for the people of our municipality”.
“After years of planning and construction, we are now in the final stretch,” he said.
Kieser thanked the community “for their patience and support in delivering this intergenerational facility”.
An opening date has not yet been announced.
