Mount Barker’s new aquatic and leisure centre cost blows out by $20m to $51.8m
The budget for a huge new aquatic centre in Mount Barker has jumped to more than $51m, with the council blaming Covid.
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The cost of the new Mount Barker aquatic centre will blow out by $20m because of Covid’s impact on the construction industry, the council says.
The regional aquatic and leisure centre, which will be built opposite the Laratinga Wetlands at Mount Barker’s Summit Sport and Recreation Park, was last reported to cost $29.6m, when new images were released.
That estimated cost – originally made in 2018 – has leapt to $51.8m, the council said.
“This early projection almost six years ago did not anticipate a post-Covid economic landscape, where construction costs have seen an industry-wide increase of up to 40 per cent,” it said in a statement.
A shift in Australia’s economic environment and high inflation “naturally” changed the project’s budget, it said. Council endorsed the new figure in December last year.
Acting Mount Barker Mayor Simon Westwood said the new price was “not a reflection of overspending, miscalculations or mismanagement”.
“(It is) rather an adjustment to the realities of the current construction market and economic conditions,” he said.
The state-of-the-art centre includes a 25m, 10-lane pool capable of holding competitions, a leisure pool, warm water therapy pool, an expansive gym, fitness rooms, crèche, and a kiosk/café.
The $51.8m project includes $15m in federal funds and $7.3m from the state government – that funding remains the same as promised earlier in the year.
The Summit, a huge square of land in Mount Barker’s west beside the golf club, includes the footy oval, which hosted an AFL match during the Gather Round.
A part of Mount Barker’s expansion – the town is on track to become SA’s second-largest city in the next decade – the leisure precinct includes a linear trail and heritage barns and is expected to drive further leisure and tourism investments.
Award-winning Adelaide builder Kennett has won the contract for the huge project, which has constructed other community-focused sport and recreation projects, including the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre.
The builder was named Master Builders’ Commercial Builder of the Year in 2021.
“This is a vital project for our region and we are delighted to now have Kennett on board,” Mr Westwood said.
“This new centre promises a range of activities, from swimming lessons and gym workouts to warm water exercises and recreational swimming,” he said.
More than a dozen jobs will be created by the centre. Mount Barker’s existing Mountain Pool is more than 60 years old and attracts at least 15,000 people a year.
Future expansion will include elements such as an outdoor 50-metre competition pool, water slides and indoor sports courts.
Work is set to start in January next year and is hoped to be finished mid-to-late 2025.
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