AusLeisure

The $14 million redevelopment of Darwin’s Parap Pool is 98% completed with only small sections of the job to be finalised.

Closed late last year, the redevelopment project, designed and master planned by architects Liquid Blu, is providing a 50 metre pool, a 25 metre program pool, a dry and zero depth wet play experience, new office, entry, kiosk/café, and user amenities.

Commenting on the project, City of Darwin Capital Works acting Manager Nathan Lewis told the NT News this week that by the end of November, project officers and the contractor were aiming to close out remaining minor works, defects and maintenance items.

An announcement on the successful tenderer for the facility’s management is expected shortly, with Lewis stating “then we’re hoping to open it to the public in January.”

Offering the only 50 metre pool in the Northern Territory, a condition of Federal Government funding for the project has been for the Council to seek to stage regional and national swimming competitions in Darwin.

As part of this process, the Council is first aiming for the facility to be compliant with the regulations of world swimming governing body FINA.

Lewis explained to the NT News “currently we’re in discussions with Swimming Australia to get national competitions up here.”

A statement on the project on Liquid Blu’s website advises “the Parap Pool seeks to enhance the aquatic and recreational opportunities for the Darwin Community.

“The design aims to create place(s) for increased social interaction, gathering and cultural expression, and assist to build community spirit and social cohesion through participation in healthy lifestyle activities.

“The design outcome is a multi-functional community hub bringing people, activity, art, leisure and wellness together. The Parap Pool will provide a true, ‘contemporary’ aquatic and leisure centre destination with a variety of water spaces and dry activity spaces to service the needs of the local community.

“The Parap Pool is intended to be ‘leading edge’ in its design approach, and complete with the highest quality pool(s) and plant.

“The masterplan provides a technically advanced, innovative and sustainable design outcome whilst actively attempting to meet the social and recreational needs and expectations of the local community; satisfying the prominent place it holds in the psyche and cultural memory of old and new Darwin.” 

Click here for more information on the project on the City of Darwin website.

Images: The Parap Pool nears completion (top, courtesy of the City of Darwin), Liquid Blu's concepts for the redevelopment (middle and below, courtesy of Liquid Blu).

6th October 2017 - PFAS CHEMICALS IN KATHERINE POOL PROMPTS CLOSURE 

4th February 2016 - CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AT NEW GYMPIE AQUATIC RECREATION CENTRE

12th October 2015 - CITY OF DARWIN TO OUTSOURCE MANAGEMENT OF THREE PUBLIC POOLS

26th May 2015 - DARWIN SWIMMING POOL TO BE RESIZED BY 50 CENTIMETRES IN $9 MILLION PROJECT

4th May 2015 - OUTDOOR SEASONAL POOLS UNDER ONGOING THREATS 

28th November 2012 - LIQUID BLU PARTNERS WITH MAKMAX TO COVER ROCKHAMPTON’S SOUTHSIDE MEMORIAL POOL

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