Kids’ pool, Olympic-sized pool part of Crows’ parklands complex plans
The Crows’ controversial plans to build a new HQ that will transform the Adelaide Aquatic Centre are gathering pace. SEE THE NEW PICS
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An Olympic-size pool and a children’s water play area feature in the Adelaide Crows latest plan to transform the Adelaide Aquatic Centre site into its new headquarters.
The Crows have released new images of its $65 million plan to demolish the North Adelaide swimming centre and build a new public pool and training and administration complex.
The plan includes an eight-lane, 50m pool, a children’s pool and splash area and unfenced ovals, where the Crows would train.
Adelaide Football Club chief executive Andrew Fagan told The Advertiser he believed the complex lived up to community expectations and had “enormous public benefit”.
“Our expectation is that the centre will deliver all the services that are there previously, including recreational swimming, hydrotherapy, learn to swim and water play,” Mr Fagan said.
“When we look at the services that are being provided within the Aquatic Centre, we see significant opportunities to partner and enhance them – that could be a learn to swim or gymnasium.”
The Crows’ plan for the site has divided the community, with some groups opposed to the club moving from West Lakes to North Adelaide.
Some groups, including the Adelaide City Council’s peak parklands advisory board, have been unsure about whether a commercial body should operate in the parklands.
However, a report showed the council has spent $18 million on the ageing centre over the past 10 years and $21 million would need to be invested into the site to bring it up to scratch.
But that would have done little to improve services or reduce its burden on ratepayers.
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Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor welcomed a children’s area within the proposed development.
“Swim schools are such an important part of what we do (at the Aquatic Centre),” Ms Verschoor said.
Formal plans for the site would be released after Adelaide City Council finishes its community consultation about what the public would like in an aquatic centre.
“It is at that point, when we receive that feedback, we are able to complete further design work,” Mr Fagan said.
The Crows released first images of the plan in December last year in front of a packed crowd.