Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre redevelopment cost rises $36m to $60m, council blames ‘economic landscape’
The cost of a major swimming centre upgrade in Adelaide’s east has risen by $36m, as the council chooses an SA construction company to build it. See the plans here.
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A massive redevelopment to a popular eastern suburbs pool – set to open in 2026 – has suffered a $36m cost blowout, increasing from $24m to $60m in the space of two years with council blaming the economic landscape.
Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council has advanced its plans for the $60m redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre, which will generate 100 jobs during construction.
Mayor Robert Bria acknowledged the significant increase, saying supply chain issues, interest rates, inflation and skill shortages had “serious knock-on effects” to the nation’s construction industry.
“Notwithstanding this, in making this decision, the council commissioned an independent prudential report, which included a detailed review of the potential impacts of this project and its ongoing financial sustainability,” he said.
“The council is satisfied that it will be able to meet its financial obligations and continue its financial sustainability without unnecessary impact on our ratepayers.”
The new development will see SA-based Badge Constructions begin works on three different pools varying from eight to ten lanes and 20 to 50 metres in length, as well as a 14-metre tall tower with two water slides, a zero-depth waterplay area, multiple male, female and unisex all-access changerooms, multipurpose meeting rooms and shade shelters, picnic seating and barbecues.
Each pool will also have all-access entry via ramp or lift and aquatic wheelchairs will be available for public use.
Mr Bria said the redevelopment would set itself as a “pinnacle” figure within the state’s aquatic industry.
“The Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre will be the pinnacle of aquatic leisure centres, promoting health, wellbeing and recreational opportunities, as well as providing thousands of children with the lifesaving skill of learning to swim,” Mr Bria said.
“The council understands the historical, cultural and social significance of this facility and is proud that our community will have a magnificent state-of-the-art facility in its own backyard.
“The local community, swimming clubs, schools and regular users have been waiting patiently for the redevelopment of this much-loved facility and they will not be disappointed with the final product.”
The rising costs come after Mount Barker’s new aquatic and leisure centre development blew out by $20m to $51.8m due to Covid’s impact on the construction industry, the council says.
“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.
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