City of South Perth ends plan for 'financially unfeasible' aquatic and recreation centre

City of South Perth ends plan for ‘financially unfeasible’ aquatic and recreation centre

May 25, 2023

Having failed to secure funds for the project in the latest Western Australian budget, the City of South Perth has reportedly ended plans for a new aquatic and recreation at a site adjacent to the Collier Park Golf Course.

With a projected first stage cost of between up to $75 million (rising from an originally projected $45 and $60 million), the project is now being described as being “financially unfeasible”.

As a result, South Perth’s first aquatic facility will not now be developed in the foreseeable future.

Speaking at the Council meeting on Tuesday night when Councillors backed a council officer’s recommendation to halt the project, Councillor Glenn Cridland stated “I feel very sorry for the children of our city ... I feel really sad about the way council has failed you, and failed to look forward and provide proper planning for proper facilities in the future.

Facing a $30 million shortfall for the initial stage of the project, the council failed in its bid to attract $20 million in Western Australian Government funding.

Stage one of the project was to have included the construction of an indoor aquatic centre with an eight-lane 25 metre indoor heated pool, a health club and gym, a virtual golf driving range with a hospitality venue, cafe and function facilities.

The budget was to be met by a $20 million Federal Government grant, a $20 million contribution from the city and a potential $3 million from Curtin University.

However, without Western Australia Government funding for the project a city report advised that it would have to implement a rate increase of more than 7%.

Stage two of the project was proposed to include the development of indoor playing courts while the third and final stage of the project would have included a 50 metre outdoor pool.

Image: Concept design for the City of South Perth Recreation and Aquatic Facility. Credit: City of South Perth.

8th May 2023 - Western Australian councils recognised for water saving initiatives

19th April 2023 - Western Australian Government commits new funds for WACA aquatic centre and ground renovations

31st March 2023 - LIWA Aquatics launches second Annual Western Australia Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards

30th March 2023 - Rowing and rockclimbing among free outdoor activities available to South Perth community

27th January 2023 - New Western Australian advice on the safe operation of waterslides

3rd November 2022 - City of South Perth to undertake three stage process for new aquatic facility development

22nd July 2022 - Countdown to 2022 LIWA Aquatics Conference

18th July 2022 - Triple award win for Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre

14th February 2022 - Visits to Western Australian aquatic facilities delivered $275 million in economic benefits in 2022/21

8th November 2021 - Events and offers to mark 20th anniversary of Riverton Leisureplex operations

23rd March 2021 - City of South Perth moves forward with aquatic facility plans

21st July 2020 - Reclink welcomed to City of South Perth’s 27-hole Collier Park Golf

23rd November 2017 - Clublinks to take on management of Perth’s Collier Park Golf Course

24th May 2017 - South Perth foreshore project to feature museum, park and entertainment complex

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.