The Hobart City Council’s proposed hydrotherapy pool and wellness centre is facing uncertainty after the best quote received for the project came in at double the budgeted amount.
Initially estimated to cost $7 million, the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre project received a single quote of around $14 million during the tender process.
The council is now seeking additional funding from the state and federal governments to cover the increased costs and is willing to double its own commitment to $3 million.
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.
In October 2021, after the initial $3.4 million federal grant was announced, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the investment was a “fantastic example of investment by all levels of government in the wellbeing and health of our community”.
“This aquatic centre is an important recreational and health facility for not just Hobart, but for all of southern Tasmania,” the Lord Mayor said at the time.
“The new additions will bring significant social and economic benefits through improved health for our ageing population, and better access to hydrotherapy treatments and wellness programs.”
The grant did, however, come with a condition that the money must be spent by the end of 2023.
