Batemans Bay aquatic, arts centre plans would transform the area if approved
A multimillion-dollar vision to bring a massive aquatic and arts centre to the South Coast is almost within the community’s reach. SEE WHAT WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PLANS.
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The community will know the fate of a $55 million masterplanned vision to create a regional Arts, Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Mackay Park, Batemans Bay, this month.
The massive development application, by Eurobodalla Council, earmarks the creation of three different precincts including an aquatic centre featuring an eight-lane 25m lap pool, learn-to-swim facilities, a warm water program pool, as well as a water slide tower, splash pad and cafe.
The arts precinct would feature a 357-seat auditorium, a green room and dressing rooms, a gallery and box office, if it is approved.
While the leisure centre will feature a gymnasium, with two program rooms and a spin room, there will also be retail space, cafe and kitchen and as many as 200 parking spaces.
The council’s planning director said the community had been rallying for an indoor aquatic centre, theatre and arts space “for several decades”.
“Each of these community facilities are currently not available, and despite previous consideration by council, have remained outside the community’s reach,” the director said.
“That situation has now changed, with douncil securing $51 million in grant funding.
“This funding, for the first time, has placed the provision of such services within the potential reach of the community.”
Planners behind the arts and leisure precinct said the development would provide significant social and economic benefit for the community, however, “increase traffic movements” would occur.
“Sufficient parking, including accessible parking spaces, long vehicle parking spaces and electric car charging bays are provided,” the planner said.
“Potential noise impacts from the development after 10pm on nearby residential receivers are minor and can be effectively mitigated through management of the facility.”
The development application revealed the gymnasium was planned for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The council secured a total of $55m in funding for the project, including a total of $26 million in funding from the NSW Government as well as $25 million in grant funds from the Australian Government’s Regional Growth Fund. A further $4 million was acquired in loan funding by the council.
The Southern Regional Planning Panel, chaired by Gordon Kirkby, will determine the fate of the proposal at the Catalina Country Club on March 31.