Salisbury Council lodges plans for multimillion-dollar swim centre

An outdated swim centre in Adelaide’s north will be redeveloped under a $30m plan, which includes three pools and a water park.

Salisbury North will be home to a year-round swim and recreation centre under a $30m plan for the ageing outdoor venue.

Salisbury Council lodged plans with its assessment panel to build the venue, which includes an outdoor pool, two indoor pools, three water slides, water play area, cafe, a gymnasium and carparking.

New artist impressions of the $30m aquatic centre for Salisbury North. Picture: Plan SA

The centre will feature an outdoor pool and two indoor pools. Picture: Plan SA

A council document said three significant trees would be removed because building designers had “exhausted all options” to save them, but 26 new trees would be planted.

“The proposal is a significant investment in the council area to develop a well-serviced and much-loved asset,” a report to the panel said.

“It would bring a contemporary approach to swimming facilities … and (expand) on the current and somewhat outdated offering.”

The planned exterior of the new aquatic centre in Salisbury North. Picture: Plan SA

The State Government is contributing $7.19m to the project on Happy Home Drive, with the council footing the remainder.

It is expected to create more than 90 jobs during construction and 26 ongoing positions.

The council hoped to attract local schools, sporting clubs, casual users and community groups to the new centre.

If the project is approved it would take about 18 months to build and open in the latter half of 2023.

The current pool at the Salisbury Swimming Centre. Picture: Colin James

Salisbury mayor Gillian Aldridge said she remembers taking her children and grandchildren to the current pool, but it was in need of redevelopment.

She expected the centre to attract at least 300,000 users per year.

“We have the Little Para that runs all the way through Salisbury, the mangroves at St Kilda and the incredible St Kilda playground – now the new Aquatic Centre will be a jewel among many other recreation assets,” Ms Aldridge said.

Sports and Recreation Minister Katrine Hildyard was contacted for comment.

The plans are on consultation until Tuesday, April 19.