A MULTI-MILLION dollar aquatic centre development could be put on hold after Tamworth Regional Council's budget was dealt a blow by the coronavirus crisis.
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It will cost $2.68 million for a lead designer to push the concept to 50 per cent, so that the council can be ready to hire a contractor if the project receives state and federal government funds.
Councillors will vote on Tuesday whether to delay the designer until 2021, after last month's budget review revealed it had been hit hard by pandemic pressures.
The general fund is in the red by $2.9 million, so the council has cut back on non-essential recruitment of vacant jobs and focused on already funded projects or those that are being funded by external sources.
It has also delayed spending on asset renewal where possible and redeployed staff hit by COVID-19 to other areas.
At the moment, the $67 million aquatic centre and leisure precinct is in the second of three phases.
Developed drawings would normally have been prepared by the lead designer with technical specifications at this stage, and the council would begin the planning approval process.
Once a development application is submitted and the construction costs revised, the project will be put to tender when state and federal government funds are secured.
The council would contribute $10 million to the project, that will have two 50 metre swimming pools, stands for 500 people and a 15 metre water slide with disabled access.
A cafe, creche, gymnasium and off-street parking is also in the plan.
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A business case for the major development was approved by the council in early 2019.
After that, Otium Planning Group were brought on to help the council's project management team put together a design brief and tender package for the lead designer role.
The project team has consulted with the Aquatic Sports Focus Group, Swimming NSW and Water Polo NSW and made some changes to the original plans based on the feedback.
These changes will be brought to councillors later in the project, but include International Swimming Federation accreditation and pool depths, separation of leisure swimming from the program pool, the installation of a swim wall and moveable boom and spectator seating.
Councillors will decide whether to delay the funds beyond $100,000 it already spent until the Annual Operating Plan for 2021 to 2022.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
