Port Macquarie aquatic centre: Plans lodged for $67m facility

New plans have been released for a $67 aquatic centre in a Mid-North Coast town experiencing unprecedented growth with its population forecast to reach more than 100,000 by 2030.

How the new Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre could look. Picture: Supplied

New plans have been released for a $67 million aquatic centre at Port Macquarie – a town experiencing unprecedented growth with its population forecast to reach 100,000-plus by 2030.

The new multipurpose recreation centre at Macquarie Park will replace the nearby 50 metre pool built in 1966.

Like many public pools across the region, it is past its used-by date and leaking water.

Port Macquarie-Hasting Council this week lodged a development application for the as yet unfunded new pool.

The proposal will be determined by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), an independent body that determines council developments with a value of more than $5m.

Inside the planned new facility. Picture: Supplied

Another concept image. Picture: Supplied

What the new facility could look like from the outside. Picture: Supplied

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.

The application for the new aquatic centre is on public exhibition until April 23.

There has been a push for a 50m ocean pool.

It 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 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.

Plans include a new cafe. Picture: Supplied

Inside the facility. Picture: Supplied

Lucilla Marshall, group manager liveable communities, said the council was “thrilled” to get the plans this far after years in the making.

“What started with a masterplan back in 2016, followed by the selection of a suitable site and some early design drawings between 2019 and 2022, has now progressed to the development of a fit-for-purpose aquatic precinct I think the whole community can be proud of,” she said.

Ms Marshall said the application process was about ensuring the design complied with planning regulations, rather than on the proposed layout and facility inclusions – which were “finalised during our earlier community consultation processes”.