Contract awarded for Aquatics Project
Local construction company Browns Wangaratta has been awarded a $16.88m (ex GST) contract to build a regional aquatic facility in Wangaratta.
The project will transform the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre (WISAC) at the HP Barr Reserve, adding a new 50m outdoor heated pool, 17mx12m indoor warm water program pool and outdoor toddler’s pool/splash play area, as well as a 117 space sealed car park in between adjacent sporting ovals.
The project is being funded through $4.4m from the Australian Government’s Building Better Region’s Fund, $1.5m from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $100,000 from the Wangaratta Swimming Club. Council has also been the recipient of a $6m low interest loan through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s (SRV) Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme. The $6m will form part of Council’s contribution to the project.
The contract was awarded at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, 29 January 2019. Mayor Dean Rees said the development would deliver massive economic and social benefits.
“Throughout construction this is expected to create 50 jobs in Wangaratta and the broader North East region,” he said.
“The ongoing economic benefit for Wangaratta will be significant, with the FINA compliant outdoor pool able to attract regional and state level swimming events, including water polo.
“I’ve been clear in my role as Mayor that I want to see more economic growth and this is the right step forward as more growth will flow on from this project.
“The social benefits will be enjoyed across our community, with more opportunities for our schools and swimming clubs to swim competitively in the 50m pool, and more options for our ageing population to do water based fitness, rehabilitation and exercise programs in the warm water program pool.”
Cr Rees said construction would take between 18-24 months and Council would keep the community up to date throughout the process.