Port Macquarie: Hundreds respond to plans for new Macquarie Park complex
Hundreds of people have had their say on stunning plans for a contemporary, state-of-the art aquatic facility along the Mid-North Coast.
Mid-North Coast
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Plans to construct a state-of-the art aquatic centre has proven popular with the Port Macquarie public, after hundreds of submissions were received regarding its design.
Close to 250 public responses have been lodged with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council since the project’s public exhibition period went live in May.
The council was due to report on the findings of the engagement at Wednesday’s council meeting, but instead will table a motion to delay this until October due to the high level of interest in the project.
The council‘s preferred design for the new aquatic centre, which is set to replace the ageing facility on Gordon St, proposes an outdoor 50-metre pool, an indoor 20-metre program pool with a removable floor and an outdoor water play are for kids complete with slides.
These first-class functional facilities would be complemented by a commercial cafe and gym/fitness area, program rooms, and outdoor recreation areas. There is also room for future expansion of the indoor facility, if required.
It has been recommended by the project governance Steering Group that more time be allowed to process the responses and provide a clear way forward for the project.
“Following closure of the public exhibition period, the project governance Steering Group (incorporating the Project Team, Project Sponsor, Council Executive Group and the mayor and some Councillors) recommended to allow more time to review the community submissions with a view to determining a way forward for the project,” a council report states.
“This report therefore recommends that a further report be provided to the October 2021 Ordinary Council Meeting which will document the public exhibition period, feedback and the proposed way forward based on the feedback received.”
The proposal generated 209 online and 29 written responses.
Early data indicates the desirable themes for the project are for a 25m indoor pool, specific accessibility requirements, program room for fitness and wellbeing group activities, and more diving features.
“Once the post engagement report has been finalised, a further report with recommendations as to the way forward is proposed to be put to Council at its October 2021 Ordinary Council,” the report states.
The council has allocated a funding commitment to undertake a demand analysis, options assessment, concept design, business case and to prepare a development application.
Additional funding will be required to finalise detailed design and construction of the facility.
“The construction costs associated with contemporary aquatic facilities are significant, and will require all funding avenues to be explored in order to achieve project completion,” the report states.
The project will be discussed at Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting.
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