New Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre plans approved by Northern Regional Planning Panel
A Mid-North Coast mayor has made a celebratory splash over a new $67m aquatic centre, set to replace a crumbling 50-metre pool well past its prime. See all the photos.
Mid-North Coast
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Newly elected mayor of Port Macquarie Adam Roberts has described recently approved plans for a $67 million aquatic centre as a “significant milestone for our region”.
The new multipurpose recreation centre at Macquarie Park will replace the nearby 50 metre pool built in 1966. The project was approved this week.
Like many public pools across the region, it is past its use-by date and leaking water.
The plans were unanimously approved on Wednesday by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), an independent body that determines council developments with a value of more than $5m.
Stage 1 plans include scope for a 50 metre outdoor pool and a 25m pool with transparent roof, in addition to a 20m indoor pool, gym, amenities, kiosk and 128 carparking spots.
Stage 2 proposes a gym expansion, splash pad and slide and 42 more parking spaces.
The two stages have been valued at $55.7 million and $11 million, respectively.
Mr Roberts said the decision paves the way for council to start exploring all available funding options for the facility.
“This is a significant milestone for our region and marks a groundbreaking point in the planning process for this important piece of recreational infrastructure,” Mayor Roberts said.
“This is a truly fit-for-purpose precinct that our whole community can be proud of.”
The town is experiencing unprecedented growth with its population forecast to reach 100,000-plus by 2030.
The approval comes as efforts by the Tidal Pool for Port Macquarie Committee to build a 50m ocean pool at Oxley Beach ramp up.
In July last year, the majority of the then-councillors gave that project “in principle support”, but at the time the lone councillor who voted in opposition, Rachel Sheppard, warned it may be “undeliverable” in the current economic climate.
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