$25 million Casuarina Pool redevelopment project to create 320 jobs

MORE than 320 important jobs will come out of Darwin Council’s $25 million upgrade of the tired Casuarina Pool complex

• Darwin council announce $25 million Casuarina Pool makeover as major project in 2020/2021 budget
• Darwin swim clubs warn council pool hikes could sink them
• Casuarina pool to get $100,000 facelift

MORE than 320 important jobs will come from the City of Darwin $25m upgrade of the tired Casuarina Pool complex announced last week.

Construction of the new Casuarina Aquatic & Leisure Centre is expected to start early next year.

There will be 193 during the construction phase alone.

Council says based on economic modelling the $25m project is expected to deliver an economic output of $87m and a $19.3m impact on Darwin’s GDP.

Public consultation begins September 28 and runs for five weeks.

Scott Waters (Darwin Council CEO) and Kon Vatskalis (Darwin Lord Mayor) look over artists impressions of the planned redevelopment of Casuarina pool. Picture Gary Shipway

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis says he expects City of Darwin’s strong focus on local procurement to deliver positive outcomes for local businesses and local jobs for all phases of the project.

“From planning through to construction,” he said.

“The successful local design tenderer, Ashford Architects, will be preparing a masterplan to guide the future use, development and management of the Casuarina Pool site.

MORE NT NEWS

Wild barra licence buy-up a NT success story

NT taxpayers fork out $1.1 million for Myilly Point playground asbestos hole

Tide drop leaves boat stuck in pylons at Darwin’s Stokes Hill Wharf

“The end result is about providing a contemporary family aquatic and leisure facility.

“It is an important project and equally important is that it will create jobs for local business and workers.

“And it is not just through the construction phase because what this project does is it creates jobs in small business.”

An artist’s impression of the $25 million upgrades planned for Casuarina Pool, which will include a play area and will be designed with a shaded and tropical setting. Picture: Supplied

Mr Vatskalis promised the Casuarina Aquatic & Leisure Centre will not be just another council pool.

“It will be a destination that northern suburbs residents and families will flock to … a true family friendly destination,” he said.

“It will be something fresh and exciting for families with a resort-style lagoon.

“The pool will be 50 metres and nothing less.

“There will also be learn to swim pools, wet and dry play areas, fitness equipment, picnic and barbecue facilities.

OFFER EXTENDED: NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1 a week

“It will be a facility that families can come relax and enjoy a good day out.

“The plan is to have room to co-locate a restaurant or cafe and allied health services, in a shaded and tropical setting. There has been a lot of lobbying for this over the years and our aldermen are very excited about it now happening.