AusLeisure

After a development process taking four years, involving three tiers of government and more than $17 million in funding, the Rockhampton World War Two (Southside) Memorial Aquatic Centre was officially opened before Christmas

Commenting to The Morning Bulletin prior to the opening ceremony in November, Rockhampton Regional Council Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the planning, development and completion of the Centre was a united effort bringing enormous benefits to the local community.

Councillor Rutherford stated “this has been an absolute mammoth effort from our expert team of engineering and construction consultants. Council along with Federal and State Governments together contributed $17.8 million, and we've now produced a world-class sporting and recreation facility for our Region.

"The economic, social and sporting benefits are significant with 50 jobs created during construction alone, more than 20 positions after completion, and an estimated ongoing employment of a further 20 positions when aquatic programs are in full swing.

"Of course, the facility has already been a resounding success with more than 140,000 attendances since December 2014 - tripling from the usual annual attendance of 40,000 in previous years.

"It is already the place to be for the 'coolest' family day out during summer with the amazing water play park. And, there's no doubt it's the foremost training facility for our local and state swimmers, and in the near future will produce locally-trained Australian and world champions."

Planning for the upgraded facility began in March 2011 and was funded by $5 million from the Federal Government, $7 million from the Queensland Government and $5.8 million from the Council.

The Centre features:

• A 50 metre x 25 metre x 2 metre constant depth, heated FINA-compliant Olympic standard swimming pool with moveable bulkhead and Colorado timing system. Pool includes disabled ramp access.
• A 650 seat capacity grandstand with a control centre for swimming events.
• A tensioned membrane shade structure over the 50 metre pool and grand stand.
• An eight lane x 25 metre heated pool including disabled ramp access.
• Refurbishment of the existing 5 metre deep diving pool including the 5 metre and 10 metre platforms.
• An indoor learn-to-swim pool (program pool) including disabled ramp access.
• A wet play area including a lagoon to various depths and wet play equipment.
• Supporting entry building, café, amenities and dry structures including storage space.
• Plant rooms and court yards.
• Car park and landscaping works.

Images (from top): Shade cover over the Rockhampton World War Two (Southside) Memorial Aquatic Centre (courtesy LiquidBlu/Makmax) and an early design for the development (below).

29th November 2013 - PLANS TO REDEVELOP ROCKHAMPTON’S ROCK POOL WATERPARK

23rd July 2013 - ROCKHAMPTON’S SOUTHSIDE MEMORIAL POOL OPENS

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

9th June 2012 - GETTING THE TIMING RIGHT IN ROCKHAMPTON

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