Botany Aquatic Centre to be turned into multi-sports venue

Botany Aquatic Centre is set for a $24 million major facelift which will transform it into a multi-sports venue.

The aquatic centre is set for a major facelift

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BOTANY Aquatic Centre is set for a $24 million major facelift which will transform it into a multi-sports venue.

The proposal, which was revealed in the latest Bayside Council papers, features the addition of a 25m indoor pool and hydrotherapy pool, spa and sauna, an indoor gym and sports courts.

Earlier this year there were fears the centre would close after the Southern Courier revealed the water slides were to be demolished.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP, left, (pictured in 2016 with then Botany deputy mayor Stan Kondilios) has campaigned for an indoor pool so the centre can open year round. Picture: Craig Wilson

Last month the council’s sport and recreation committee was presented with basic plans to refurbish the changing rooms. But councillors rejected the proposal, instead opting to work on the masterplan and seek further funding. Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski said the proposal was in its early stages and was subject to change. But he said it was a sign of intent from the council.

“You only get to do something like this once and we want to do it right,” he said.

The Labor mayor said it was difficult for a pool to hold its own financially and therefore the plans were to transform the aquatic centre into a multi-sports venue.

The slides will go but the future looks bright for the centre. Picture: Craig Wilson

As well as the indoor sports courts and gym there are plans for an aerobics room, spa and sauna. There will also be a new reception, office area, cafe, creche, sports clinic, and assessment rooms. The existing 50m outdoor pool will remain but will be refurbished.

“We recognised the centre needed a major upgrade and we will work with the community on the plan,” Cr Saravinovski said.

Bill Saravinovski stressed it was early days and said the plan could change. Picture: John Appleyard

Kingsford Smith federal Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite has long campaigned for an indoor pool so the centre can open all year.

“I’m pleased to see that the council has begun planning for the upgrade,” Mr Thistlethwaite said. “They now need to allocate the funding and announce a timeline. This is an important community project.”

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