Adelaide Hills development to transform Summit sports hub into nation-leading facility
Mount Barker’s Summit Precinct has the potential to be one of Australia’s leading recreation facilities, and a new $29m development will strengthen its case.
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Work on a new $29.6m Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Mount Barker has begun as the widely-celebrated Summit Precinct continues to expand with vision of becoming one of Australia’s leading regional recreation, sport and entertainment facilities.
Construction of the new centre is expected to be completed by late 2024 and is set to be a multipurpose community space to cater for the rapid population growth in the region.
The facility will feature four pools, a warm water therapy pool, and a 25m metre, 10-lane competition capable lap pool as well as gym and fitness rooms, wet and dry cafe, and community meeting rooms.
The centre is being built at the Summit Precinct, which is home of the impressive Summit Sports and Recreation Park – which recently hosted an AFL clash as part of Gather Round – as well as walking trails, heritage barns and a planned adventure playground.
The project has been co-funded by a $15 million federal Community Development grant and $7.3 million from the state government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program
Mt Barker Mayor David Leach said work starting on the facility last week was a “historic occasion for Mount Barker”.
“It recognises the hard work and support shown by many stakeholders to get to this point including,” he said.
“The work continues from here behind the scenes and on the ground to deliver the Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre to our community by the summer of 2024/2025.
“Council is excited to be investing in a new indoor aquatic and leisure centre, creating a destination that the whole community can enjoy.
“The Summit Precinct has the potential to be one of Australia’s leading regional recreation, leisure, sport and entertainment facilities while supporting the growth of Mount Barker; one of South Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“While providing amenities for our local community, the site is capable of generating a level of private sector investment able to create local employment and support the Adelaide Hills tourism sector with tourist park accommodation, indoor recreation activities, and outdoor activities like mini golf and aerial rope courses.”
The Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre is expected to create 15 new employment positions.
The design of stage one of the project will allow future expansion, to include elements such as an outdoor 50-metre competition pool, expanded aquatic leisure facilities and Indoor sports courts.
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