Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre to open on the Gold Coast
A highly anticipated $87 million aquatic centre on the southern Gold Coast is due to open within days after more than two years of being closed to the public. Take a look
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A highly anticipated $87 million aquatic centre on the southern Gold Coast is due to open within days after more than two years of being closed to the public.
Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) announced they would be opening the Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre on October 28 from 12pm.
The announcement comes after the opening was delayed several months and a cost blowout, with the original price for the project of $54m increasing to more than $87m.
“Unforeseen delays were experienced during construction due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, labour and supply shortages,” a council spokesperson said.
The new centre will feature a heated indoor learn to swim pool, indoor warm water pool, 25-metre outdoor pool, 50-metre outdoor pool, fitness centre, community centre, a cafe, a creche, and basement parking.
“The refurbishments of the centre were necessary to meet the demands of the southern Gold Coast, which is one of the fastest growing regions in the city,” the spokesperson said.
Council has already had more than 1200 people sign up for fitness memberships and more than 1000 people sign up to learn to swim.
Division 13 councillor Josh Martin said he had seen inside the new building and was “very impressed”.
“It’s so exciting that after a long-awaited two-year construction period, the centre will be open to the public,” he said.
“I’ve had several visits along with Councillor Gail O’Neill over the past few months, where we witnessed the construction of the additional pools, including the ‘Daphne McDonald Pool’ refurbishment, state of the art gym and the wonderful area that will become the community centre.
“What was impressive to me was the architectural design which has a relaxed, modern feel but in a lot of ways feels like a nod to the 80s era coastal village vibe which fits the southern Gold Coast perfectly.
“I’m sure the community will love it.”
Mr Martin said he was pleased the project was completed as attention now turns to the boardwalk renewal in Beree-Badalla Reserve.
“This will provide a great linkage to the area providing active and healthy travel options while also replacing the old boardwalk which had reached the end of its life.”
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