Call out for ‘innovative’ businesses to fill new Casuarina pool shops

The call is out for new shops at the $25m Casuarina aquatic centre. See who they want to fill them.

City of Darwin wants tenants to fill three new spaces that will open when the Casuarina aquatic and leisure centre begins operating next year.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis is seeking expressions of interest from businesses and organisations wanting to operate a business with a guaranteed turnover of people.

Mr Vatskalis said council was searching for creative ideas on how to best use the three available tenancies.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis is seeking businesses who want to trade out of the new casuarina aquatic centre.

“The centre is a major new development for our city, and we want to ensure it is a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

“We are looking for proposals that will add something new and exciting to the northern suburbs, we want businesses that will create a buzz and attract people from all over Darwin.”

The tenancies range in size from 190sq m to 480sq m each and are ideal for businesses that deliver a community service including cafes and restaurants, fitness studios, children’s activities, allied health services, retail, art and culture and community services organisations.

City of Darwin plans to spend $25m upgrading the old Casuarina swimming pool.

An artists impression of how the new Casuarina aquatic centre will look.

Territory company Halikos won the tender and work began last year.

The revamp will feature three shaded pools, including an eight-lane 50m lap pool, a 25m learn-to-swim pool and a resort-style lagoon.

Plans also include wet and dry play areas, a basketball half-court, a cafe and barbecue facilities.

Mr Vatskalis promised the facility would be state-of-the-art on completion.

“What we are planning here is more than a pool – it’s a leisure experience where families can escape the heat and comfortably enjoy time together in Darwin’s beautiful tropical outdoors,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The brand new one is going to bring millions to the Darwin economy and a lot of jobs but most importantly, a new facility for Darwin that will last many, many years.”

The project received $7.5m in federal government support.

Originally published as Call out for ‘innovative’ businesses to fill new Casuarina pool shops